THAkS  AND  PRAYERS  AT  MOMh;. 


HISTORY 


OF    THE 


SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT,  NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
VOLUNTEERS. 


BY 
ADJUTANT,    LUTHER    TRACY    TOWNSHND, 


Published  by 
HENRY    L.   JOHNSON    AND    LUTHER    T.   TOWNSEND, 


NORMAN     T.    KLMOTT, 

Printer    and    Publisher, 

\VASHIN(iTON,     D.    C., 

1897. 


5 


T7 


Copyrighted  1897 
By  Henry  I..  Johnson  and  I.nther  T.  Townsend. 


CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER  I. 


NORTHERN  TROOPS  AT   DISADVANTAGE  .................  i 

Slumbering  of  the  military  spirit  at  the  North,  and  activity  at 
the  South.  Jefferson  Davis  and  his  schemes.  Federal 
troops  were  brave  but  ignorant  of  military  matters. 

CHAPTER  II. 
ORGANIZATION  AND  DEPARTURE  OF  THE  REGIMENT  .....................      2 

1.  Organization—  Camp    life    at    Concord.         The    professional 

gambler  ;  foraging  proclivities.     Rebellion  against  shoddy 
overcoats. 

2.  Departure  —  Sorrow  of  the  home.      Farewells.     Experiences 

in  New  York.      Poor  rations  at  the  outset.      Thanksgiving 
dinner. 

CHAPTER    III. 
SEA    VOYAGE  .................................................................................       -^ 

Embarking  on  Eastern  Oueen.  Superstition.  Tempestuous 
weather  and  sea  sickness.  Fortress  Monroe.  Pleasant 
weather  and  rebellions.  Sense  of  justice.  Corn  meal 
porridge  and  doughnuts.  Yarns.  Wreck  of  the  M.  San- 
ford.  Dry  Tortugus  and  its  sutler.  A  norther.  Ship 
Island.  Farragut's  victory.  General  Jackson's  victory. 
I/anding.  Our  one  eyed  pilot. 

CHAPTER  IV. 
CAMP  LIFE    IN    CARROLLTON  .........................................................       r2 

Pitching  tents.  Malarial  ills.  Experiences  of  Companies 
C,  I)  and  F.  Drills.  Poor  hospital  accommodations. 
Northern  surgeons  and  southern  diseases.  Orders  and 
counter  orders.  Rail  fences.  Skill  of  northern  troops, 
Deaths  of  Campbell  and  Wilds.  Unsoldierly  thoughts. 

CHAPTER  V. 

FIRST  ADVANCE  ON  PORT  HUDSON  ...............................................       73 

Change  of  muskets.  On  the  transport.  "  Camp  Dunghill." 
Delays.  Song  over  poor  rations.  Farragut  passing  Port 
Hudson.  Retreat.  Southern  thunder  storms.  Troops 
supplying  themselves  with  sugar. 

CHAPTER  VI. 
A  MUD  MARCH  UNPARALLELED  DURING  THE  WAR  ......................       96 

The  start.  Walking  on  sugar.  Misdirections.  Discrimina 
tion  that  was  criminal.  Preparation  for  an  attack. 
Beswamped.  Posting  for  the  night.  A  stranger  in  camp. 
A  hideous  retreat.  The  belated  pickets.  Taken  prisoners. 
Disobedience  and  "  horse  sense."  The  next  morning  after 
the  march.  Recapitulation.  Recruits  from  the  conva'es- 
cent  camp. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

RETURN  TO  BATON  ROUGE  AND  EXPEDITION  TO  BRASHEAR  CITY.  126 
A  desirable  camping  ground.  The  movement  down  the  Miss 
issippi.  Illustration  of  total  depravity.  Movement  to 
Brashear  City.  Mosquitoes.  Irksome  duties.  Expedi 
tion  of  Lieut.  Wilkius.  Destruction  of  Queen  of  the  West. 
Fighting  up  the  Teche  Country. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

CAPTURE  OF  FORT  BURTON,  AT  BUTTE  A  I,A  ROSE....  15° 

Previous  attempts  to  subjugate  bayous  Teche  and  Atchafalaya. 
The  new  expedition.  The  scenery.  Mishaps  and  diffi 
culties.  The  fight.  "Swamp  devils."  Befooled.  The 
prophecy. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

DETACHED  SERVICE 1 69 

1.  Service    rendered    by    Company   C.     Captain  I).   P.   Upton. 

On  the  Arizona. 

2.  Service    rendered    by    Company    G.     Volunteering    of    the 

company.  More  than  they  bargained  for.  Making  them 
selves  comfortable.  Dividing  rations.  Contrabands  com 
ing  in.  Carrying  despatches. 

3.  Two  other  expeditions — First,  the   molasses   candy   expedi 

tion.      vSecond,  the  expedition  that  made  no  headway. 

CHAPTER    X. 

THE  GARRISON  OF  DISEASE  AND  DEATH 186 

Location  of  Fort  Burton.  Mosquitoes  and  other  pests.  Lack 
of  supplies.  Hosteter's  Bitters.  Pitiful  sights.  Pleading 
for  a  transfer.  General  Banks  in  danger.  Our  regiment 
abandoned.  Final  effort  of  the  adjutant.  Captain  Hyatt's 
intercessions  and  letter. 

CHAPTER    XL 

EVACUATION  OF  BUTTE  A  I«A  ROSE  AND  RETURN  TO  PORT  HUDSON...     210 
The  rescue.     Dismantling  of  the  fort.     A  narrow  escape  from 
an   accident.     Followed    up    by    the    Confederates.     Their 
view  of  Butte  a  la   Rose.     Three  pictures.     Again  in  Bra- 
shear  City.      Pickled  cabbage.      Reiurn  to  Port  Hudson. 

CHAPTER    XII. 

THE  INVESTMENT  OF  PORT  HUDSON 220 

Three  ways  of  gaining  possession  of  the  place.  Letter  of 
Banks  to  Grant.  "Impregnable  works  "  and  "  inaccessi 
ble  fortifications."  Grant's  method.  The  first  assault  by 
Banks.  The  Sixteenth  ordered  into  the  trenches.  Order 
countermanded.  General  Emory.  Condition  of  the  Six 
teenth.  Second  assault.  Criminal  slaughter  of  New 
Hampshire  men.  Negro  troops.  A  new  peril. 


CHAPTER 

THREE  AFFAIRS  OF  INDEPENDENT  AND  IMPORTANT  INTEREST 240 

1.  "The   Storming  Column" — General    Order    number   forty- 

nine.     The  unwisdom  of  the  order.     The  fortunate  escape. 

2.  Attack  at  Springfield  landing — Location.     Commendations 

of  the  Sixteenth. 

3.  Defence  of  Fort  Butler  at  Donaldsonville — The   defenders. 

Location.  Major  Bullen's  report  and  death.  Desperate 
fighting.  The  enemy  fooled.  The  brave  lad  of  the  Six 
teenth.  Close  of  the  siege.  Commendations. 

CHAPTER    XIV. 

DARK  HOURS  PRECEDING  THE  FAI.I,  OF  PORT  HUDSON 273 

General  depression  throughout  the  country.  Resisting  the 
drafts.  Federal  defeats.  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Gen 
eral  Grant.  Surrender  of  Vicksburg.  Surrender  of  Port 
Hudson. 

CHAPTER 


R  ETROSPECTIVP; 290 

Disposition  of  the  regiment.  Comparative  losses.  We  answered 
all  calls  made  iipon  us.  Brilliant  movements.  Instances 
of  poor  generalship.  Rpitaph. 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

RETURN  AND  MUSTER  OUT 301 

Contrasts.  Captain  Bosworth's  statement.  Captain  Howard's 
statement.  Remark  of  the  post  quartermaster.  The  start. 
Leaving  sick  and  dying  men  on  the  way.  Cattle  and  freight 
cars.  Arrival  at  Concord.  Affecting  scenes.  Conclusion 
of  the  narrative. 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

PRESENT  POINT  OF  VIEW  1897 313 

Philosophy  of  history.  Animosities  of  the  past.  Our  cause 
right  and  just.  Rightful  recognition  of  soldiers'  services. 
Worthy  pensioners.  Readiness  for  war.  The  soldier  a 
minister  of  righteousness  and  peace.  The  perilous  cry  of 
"peace."  The  heroic  spirit.  State  militia.  The  training 
of  our  youth. 
Roster  of  our  dead  and  living  Comrades,  and  personal 

sketches 329~56i 

Summary.  5"2 

Sketch  of  origin  of  the  Association,  and  construction  of  the 
Headquarters  Building  of  Sixteenth  Regiment  at  The 
Weirs...  565~574 


TABLE    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Frontispiece — Tears  and  Prayers  at  Home. 

Page. 

14  Better  Overcoats  or   No  Muster  In" 36 

One  of  the  Contractors •••*. 3° 

Eastern  Queen  in  Rough  Weather 36 

The  Only  vSouthern  Woman   to  Visit  Our  Sick  in  New  Orleans.....  58 

Thinking  of   Home 68 

Diagram  of  the  Parapet  at  Carrollton 71 

Why  Should   Union  Soldiers   Starve? 80 

Passage  of  Port  Hudson  by  Admiral  Farragut's  Fleet 84 

Kach  Man  His  Own  Cook 87 

Diagram   showing  the   position   of   Sixteenth   before   Port  Hudson, 

April  i5th 90 

Laying  in   Sugar  Supplies 93 

Diagram  of  the   "Mud  March" 103 

Group  of   Pickets  Following  the  Regiment  on  the  "Mud    March"  115 

Beating  the  Reveille  to  Rouse  the  Men   After  the  "  Mud  March  ".  121 

Brashear  City  and   Berwick  Bay 132 

Destruction  of  Queen   of   the   West 140 

Diagram  of  the  fight  near  Franklin 144 

Diagram  showing  position  of  Banks'   forces  at  Franklin 147 

Diagram  showing  bayous  west  of  the  Mississippi 154 

A  Glimpse  of    Grand  Lake 157 

Near  Hutte  a  la  Rose  ;    Bushwhackers  Firing  on  Federal  Transports  160 

The  Capture  of  Butte  a  la  Rose 163 

Guerrillas  Firing  on  the  Louisiana  Belle 172 

Contrabands  Coming  Within   Federal   Lines 177 

Diagram  showing   Fort  Burton   and    Butte  a  la  Rose 187 

Picket  Duty  at   Butte  a  la  Rose 191 

Bringing  in   Fresh  Vegetables 195 

Keeping  up  Appearances  at  Butte  a  la  Rose 202 

The  Sentry  in  a  Thunder  Storm 216 

General   Banks'   Headquarters  Before   Port  Hudson,   Guarded  1>\   the 

Sixteenth  230 

The  Negro  Color  Sergeant 236 

Springfield  Landing 248 

Fort  Butler  and   Donaldsonville  269 

The  Confederates  Grounding  Arms  at   Port  Hudson 284 

Raising  Stars  and   Stripes  at   Port  Hudson 288 

Soldiers  Laying  Aside  the   Implements  of  War  and  Returning  to  the 

Arts  of  Peace 299 

Floating    Hospital    at  Vicksburg ^05 

Interior  of  Floating  Hospital 

The    Wife   Whose   Husband   Did   Not   Return 

Henceforth  let  the   Soldier  be   Honored 

A  Camp  Fire  at  The   Weirs 

Our    Headquarters 


Dedication* 


TO    OUR    DEAL)    AND    LIVING    COMRADES, 

AND 

TO  THOSE  WHO  IN  SUSPENSE  AND  ANGUISH 

REMAINED  AT  HOME  TO  SUFFER  WHILE  THEIR  LOVED 

ONES  WERE  IN  THE  ARMY 

THIS  VOLUME 

IS 

AFFECTIONATELY  DEDICATED. 


PREFACE. 


SEVERAL  years  have  past  since  the  adjutant  of  the 
Sixteenth  New  Hampshii'e  regiment  was  appointed 
by  his  comrades  to  write  their  regimental  history. 
Other  duties  have  prevented  his  entering  upon  the  com 
position  of  the  work  until  the  present  year.  The  nearly 
completed  manuscript  was  submitted  to  the  surviving 
members  of  the  regiment  who  were  present  at  the  re 
union  held  in  August,  1890,  at  the  Weirs,  and  its 
immediate  publication  was  requested.  The  committee 
having  the  publication  of  the  history  in  charge,  after  a 
careful  consideration  of  the  matter,  reached  the  con 
clusion  that  it  first  should  be  brought  out  in  some  one 
of  the  New  Hampshire  publications,  and  the  GRAXITE 
MONTHLY  was  selected. 

The  author  was  led  to  undertake  the  writing  of  this 
history  from  his  personal  interest  in  the  remarkable  rec 
ord  of  the  regiment  and  from  the  frequently  expressed 
desire  of  many  of  his  army  comrades.  There  is  no  ques 
tion,  we  presume,  that,  other  things  being  equal,  the 
officers  best  qualified  to  prepare  a  regimental  history  are 
the  colonel  and  his  adjutant,  the  adjutant,  perhaps,  hav 
ing  some  advantages  over  the  colonel.  Nothing  relating 
to  the  regiment  takes  place  at  headquarters  with  which 
the  adjutant  is  not  made  acquainted.  All  regimental 


orders  pass  through  his  hands  and  receive  his  signature. 
He  is  in  touch  with  the  officers  on  the  one  hand,  and 
with  the  men  in  the  ranks  on  the  other.  It  is  almost  a 
duly  imposed  upon  him  to  keep  a  journal  of  all  import 
ant  orders  and  movements— at  least  every  efficient  adju 
tant  will  do  this.  But  there  is  one  drawback:  namely, 
when  the  adjutant  becomes  the  regimental  historian,  lie  is 
forced  to  introduce  himself  in  evidence  as  to  some  parts 
of  the  record,  and  must  therefore  be  personal  in  his 
statements,  or  else  employ  a  kind  of  cumbersome  cir 
cumlocution  which  is  always  more  or  less  a  literary 
offense. 

We  therefore  apologize  in  advance  for  any  apparent 
breach  of  delicacy  or  modesty  that  may  appear  in  this 
narrative,  though  we  may  assure  the  reader  that  there 
are  many  personal  items  which  some  one  else  as  histor 
ian  probably  would  mention  that  we  shall  pass  in  silence. 

The  sincere  thanks  of  the  author  are  here  tendered 
to  several  members  of  our  regimental  association  for 
many  suggestions  offered  by  them,  for  several  incidents 
they  have  furnished  which  had  escaped  either  the  author's 
attention  or  memory,  and  especially  for  the  patience 
with  which  both  officers  and  men  have  borne  the  delay 
of  the  publication  of  the  eventful  story  of  what  their 
regiment  did  and  suffered. 

WASHINGTON,  I).  C.,  N<w-nth<'i\  JS'JO. 


HISTORY 

OF  THE 

SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT,     NEW   HAMPSHIRE 
VOLUNTEERS. 

BY 
Adjutant,  Luther  Tracy  Townsend. 


CHAPTER  I. 
NORTHERN  TROOPS  AT  DISADVANTAGE. 

THE  civil  and  political  condition  of  our  country,  just 
prior  to  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  and  I  lie  causes 
that   led    to    that    conflict  of    arms,    already    have 
become  such  an  important  part  of    our   national   history 
and   so   often   have   been   dwelt    upon    by  different  regi 
mental  historians,  that  with  the  exception  of    brief   and 
incidental   allusions,  we   shall    pass   in   silence  all   such 
general  and  familiar  matters,  confining  attention  in  this 
volume  chiefly  to  the  organization  and   actual   service  of 


12  HISTORY     OF    TIIK    SIXTEENTH     UEOIMENT 

As  the  object  is  not  to  make  a  cumbersome  volume, 
but  one  that,  without  taking  overmuch  of  the  reader's 
time,  easily  can  be  read,  we  shall  exclude  certain  other 
matters  which  are  found  in  many  histories  of  our  volun 
teer  regiments.  That  is,  instead  of  filling  the  body  of 
our  history  with  the  full  text  of  the  orders  that  were 
received  from  division  and  brigade  headquarters,  or 
even  with  the  full  text  of  the  orders  issued  from  our  own 
regimental  headquarters,  which  of  themselves  almost 
would  till  a  good-si/ed  volume,  we  simply  shall  note  in 
brief  that  such  and  such  orders  were  received  and  obeyed. 

Duplicate  or  original  copies  of  all  orders  are  in  the 
state  or  the  national  archives,  and  can  be  consulted  if 
one  so  desires. 

There  is,  however,  one  somewhat  general  topic  that 
relates  to  the  poorly  prepared  condition  of  the  North 
ern  troops  to  cope  at  the  outset  with  those  of  the  South, 
which  is  so  involved  in  any  historical  treatment  of  our 
army  life  as  to  justify  emphatic  and  even  frequent  repe 
tition.  \Ve,  therefore,  make  an  exception  to  the  special 
purpose  we  have  in  mind,  while  preparing  these  pages, 
and  in  this  opening  chapter  shall  call  attention  to  the 
reasons  why  our  troops,  especially  during  the  earlier 
months  of  their  life  in  the  service,  not  infrequently  ap 
peared  to  considerable  disadvantage.  \Ve  make  this 
exception  all  the  more  readily  because  we  do  not  remem 
ber  to  have  seen  the  matter  over-emphasized  in  any 
regimental  history  we  have  examined,  and  often  it  has 
not  been  touched  upon  al  all. 


:XEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS.  13 

It  requires  only  the  most  hasty  glance  at  the  half  cen 
tury  preceding  the  conflict  between  the  North  and  South 
to  enable  any  one  at  all  familiar  with  our  national  his 
tory  to  recognize  the  correctness  of  the  statement  that 
the  period  from  1815  to  1861,  excepting  the  war  with 
Mexico,  was  in  our  republic  a  time  of  peace.  The  peo 
ple  of  the  Northern  states,  with  few  exceptions,  felt  the 
utmost  security,  not  dreaming  that  a  civil  war  was  pos 
sible.  He  who  at  the  North  then  talked  war  was  re 
garded  as  an  alarmist.  During  that  time,  therefore,  the 
military  spirit  of  the  free  states  was  allowed  to  slumber. 

On  the  other  hand,  especially  from  1880  to  1801, 
the  people  of  the  slave  states  were  preparing  for  what 
seemed  to  them  a  possible,  if  not  a  probable,  conflict 
with  the  North  on  the  questions  of  slavery  and  state 
rights. 

During  the  twelve  years  immediately  preceding  the 
rebellion,  Jefferson  Davis  had  completely  in  hand  the 
military  affairs  of  our  entire  country.  He  was  chair 
man  of  the  senate  committee  on  military  matters  from 
1849  to  1851.  He  was  secretary  of  war  from  1853  to 
1857.  He  was  again  chairman  of  the  senate  committee 
on  military  matters  from  1857  to  1801.  During  those 
twelve  years,  Jefferson  Davis  was  busy,  very  busy,  but 
not  in  the  interests  of  the  entire  republic. 

Through  his  scheming,  the  regular  army  had  been 
ordered  to  distant  and  not  easily  accessible  parts  of  our 
country.  Indeed,  the  army  was  so  far  depleted  that  at 
the  breaking  out  of  hostilities  there  were  scarcely  ten 
thousand  names  on  the  Tinted  States  armv  rolls. 


14  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     UEOIMENT 

Naval   matters  were  in  like  condition.     The  war-ships 

of  the  republic  had  been  dispatched  to  distant  parts  of 
the  world.  Northern  fortifications  had  been  neglected 
and  dismantled,  while  those  in  the  South  had  been 
thoroughly  equipped,  in  some  instances  with  supplies 
taken  from  Northern  forts  and  arsenals. 

By  order  of  the  war  department,  of  which  Mr.  Davis, 
as  we  have  said,  was  chief,  the  muskets  of  the  dis 
banded  militia  companies  of  the  Northern  states  were 
shipped  to  Washington,  and  thence  were  distributed 
throughout  the  Southern  states.  The  author  will  be  par 
doned  for  introducing  evidence  illustrative  of  these 
proceedings  which  came  to  his  personal  knowledge. 

In  the  year  1857,  a  military  company,  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  was  organi/ed  by  the  students  of  Dart 
mouth  College  chiefly  for  the  purpose  of  exercise. 

In  the  college  at  that  time  were  several  Southern 
students.  Whether  or  not  they  were  informers,  we  do 
not  know,  but  not  long  after  the  organization  of  our 
company,  there  came  a  United  States  government  order 
to  the  town  authorities  of  Hanover,  who  had  loaned  the 
muskets  of  its  disbanded  military  company  to  the 
students,  to  ship  all  military  equipments  in  town  with 
out  delay  to  Washington.  To  us  the  order  was  a  cause 
of  much  regret.  A  communication  from  the  students 
was  sent  to  Washington,  giving  the  facts  and  requesting 
that  the  muskets  might  be  retained.  The  reply  came 
that  those  arms  must  be  forwarded  to  Washington,  but 
that  the  government,  immediately,  would  send  to  the 
students  an  equal  number  of  improved  Springfield 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  15 

muskets.  We  were  satisfied,  not  to  say  delighted.  \Ve 
looked.  We  waited.  But  we  had  been  deceived.  The 
improved  Springfield  muskets  never  reached  us,  and  the 
old  ones  with  which  we  had  drilled  were1  not  again  seen 
by  Northern  men  until  captured  from  Confederate 
soldiers  on  Southern  soil. 

We  need  not  proceed  further  in  this  review  of  what 
then  appeared,  and  appeal's  still,  to  be  Southern  treason, 
Southern  theft,  Southern  deceit,  and  Southern  outrage, 
on  both  a  large  and  small  scale.  The  recollection  of 
these  things  makes  one  knit  the  brow,  though  nearly 
forty  years  have  intervened. 

In  too  many  ways  for  us  on  these  pages  to  recount, 
those  seceding  states,  during  the  score  and  a  half  of 
years  designated,  were  playing  their  part  with  consum 
mate  skill,  while  we  at  the  North  were  asleep.  They 
zealously  cultivated  what  is  termed  the  military  spirit  ; 
while  we  at  the  North  were  absorbed  with  business  and 
the  making  of  money.  They  were  intending  war,  if 
their  purposes  could  not  otherwise  be  accomplished, 
while  we,  stripped  of  military  defenses,  were  hugging 
the  silly  delusion  that  the  era  of  war  was  at  an  end. 

The  military  organizations  of  the  South  were  under 
thorough  discipline  ;  those  of  the  North,  with  few 
exceptions,  were  in  most  deplorable  condition.  They  of 
the  South  were  well  supplied  with  military  leaders,  and 
the  majority  of  the  West  Point  graduates  were  either  in 
the  South  or  were  Confederate  sympathizers,  while  we 
at  the  North  did  not  know  which  way  to  turn  for  skilled 
commanders.  President  Lincoln  was  once  asked  why 


1()  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REUIMENT 

lie  appointed  sucli  civilians  as  Generals  Butler  and 
Banks  to  lead  army  corps.  His  reply  was,  that  lie  was 
perfectly  sure  of  the  patriotism  of  those  men,  but  was 
not  sure  of  that  of  the  men  who  had  been  schooled  in 
military  matters  at  the  government  expense  and  who  were4 
then  holding  army  commissions. 

They  of  the  South  had  money  in  their  treasury  ;  ours 
had  been  pillaged.  Their  people  .for  the  larger  part  were 
united;  ours,  divided.  So  pronounced  at  the  North  was 
the  division  of  sentiment  as  to  slavery  and  the  rights  of 
states  to  secede,  that  Franklin  Pierce,  while  in  the 
presidential  chair,  said  publicly  that  if  blood  flowed 
in  the  approaching  conflict  it  would  be  in  Northern 
streets,  not  on  Southern  soil.  And  Jefferson  Davis, 
speaking  of  the  impending  troubles,  assured  the  South 
ern  people  that  if  a  call  to  arms  were  issued  by  the  Fed 
eral  government  he  should  be  able  to  hold  in  the  palm 
of  his  hand  all  the  blood  that  would  be  shed. 

Those  leaders  in  the  secession  movement  thought  they 
had  the  Federal  government  and  the  people  of  the 
Northern  states  completely  in  their  grasp  ;  and  seem 
ingly  they  had.  They  were  confident.  When  firing 
opened  on  Fort  Sumter,  the  leaders  in  the  Confed 
erate  states  thought  that  the  people  of  the  North  in 
stantly  would  be'  paralyzed,  and  certainly  there  were 
many  strong  reasons  to  inspire  this  confidence  and 
expectation. 

But  that  attack,  like  a  thunderbolt  from  a  (deal1  sky, 
startled  from  torpor  into  vigorousness  the  patriotic  spirit 
of  the  Republic.  The  slumbering  heroism  of  the  North 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    V<  >L  C  XTEERS.  17 

and  West  was  aroused.  There  was  something  like  a 
conflagration  of  patriotism  and  heroism,  ending  }n  a 
fusion  of  the  different  political  parties  and  the  comiiiu- 
together  of  men  who  had  been  holding  and  defending 
conflicting  opinions.  So  that  when  the  bugle-call 
sounded  over  the  land,  men  stopped  and  listened  ;  tin1 
prayer  was  closed  when  only  half  offered  ;  the  plow  was 
unhitched  and  stood  still  in  the  furrow;  the  hammer 
lay  in  quiet  on  the  anvil  ;  the  manuscript  of  the  author, 
though  nearing  its  conclusion,  was  folded  up  and  laid 
aside  ;  Sabbath  religious  services  were  interrupted  and 
converted  into  war  meetings  ;  the  spirit  of  1  770  was  the 
spirit  of  18(51  and  '(52,  and  there  was  organi/ed  for  the 
protection  of  the  Union  an  army  of  as  brave  men  as  ever 
faced  an  enemy,  but  who,  for  the  larger  part,  were 
utterly  ignorant  of  military  science  and  service. 

Seventy-five  thousand  volunteer  troops  answered  with 
a  quick  response  the  first  call  of  President  Lincoln. 
Other  calls  came  and  were  answered,  and  yet  the  dark 
ness  continued  to  deepen.  Month  after  month  passed, 
and  there  was  nothing  but  a  dismal  record  for  the 
Federal  troops. 

Nor  should  this  occasion  surprise,  for  ill  prepared 
were  our  raw  recruits  to  fight  a  thoroughly  disciplined 
foe.  We  had  courage,  be  it  repeated,  but  no  skill  in 
warfare.  We  are  not  extravagant  in  saying  that  any 
one  of  our  Grand  Army  men  who  are  left  is  better  pre 
pared  to  command  companies,  and  even  regiments,  than 
were  scores  of  those  who,  after  the  first  call  for  volun 
teer  troops,  were  given  high  commissions. 


18  HISTORY    OF    TUP:    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

In  some  instances,  as  the  reader  may  recollect,  sergeants 
of  police  forces  and  captains  of  fire-engine  and  hook  and 
ladder  companies  became  regimental  officers  on  the  sim 
ple  ground  that  they  knew  somewhat  of  marching  men 
in  companies.  Others  not  qualified  even  to  that  extent 
were  commissioned. 

Infantry  regiments  were  formed  and  hurried  to  the 
front,  in  which  were  men  who  up  to  the  time  of  enlist 
ment,  never  had  taken  sight  along  a  gun  barrel ;  artillery 
companies  were  formed  in  which  were  men  who  never 
had  taken  in  their  hands  a  cannon  ramrod  ;  cavalry 
companies  were  formed  in  which  were  men  who  never 
had  handled  a  sword  or  sat  astride  a  horse. 

These  inexperienced  men,  at  great  disadvantage,  at 
terrible  sacrifice,  and  on  the  field  of  battle  in  the  face  of 
a  trained,  determined,  and  desperate  foe,  had  to  learn 
the  arts  of  war.  Is  it  any  surprise,  therefore,  that  our 
troops  sometimes  appeared  to  disadvantage  '( 

And  moie  than  this  ;  scores  of  regiments  were  hurried 
to  the  front  well-nigh  foodless  and  shelterless.  Trans 
portation  was  frequently  inadequate.  The  army  was 
often  in  one  place  while  its  ammunition  was  in  another. 
Inexperienced  commissaries  and  quartermasters  much  of 
the  time  were  bewildered,  knowing  next  to  nothing  of 
the  duties  devolved  upon  them.  The  brave  troops, 
meanwhile,  were  left  under  blistering  suns,  midst  drench 
ing  storms  and  piercing  winter  winds,  unprotected  and 
half  starving.  One  marvels  sometimes  that  a  solitary 
soldier  of  our  volunteer  troops  lived  to  be  mustered  out 
of  service. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  ]  <) 

And  during  all  this  time  they  of  the  South  were 
fighting  skilfully  and  desperately.  The  day  of  our 
victory  was,  therefore,  of  necessity  long  delayed,  and 
for  months  our  people  could  not  guess  which  way  the 
scales  would  tip. 

It  was  during  those  darkest  hours  of  the  war.  the  sum 
mer  of  1862,  that  the  call  for  three  hundred  thousand 
volunteer  nine-months'  men,  sounded  among  the  hills  of 
New  England. 

The  romance  of  war  had  long  since  given  place  to  its 
stern  realities.  The  sick,  wounded,  and  maimed  soldiers 
were  returning  to  their  homes,  and  the  stories  of  the 
hardships  they  had  endured  were  beginning  to  be  familiar 
as  household  words,  and  the  meaning  of  the  word  war 
was  coming  to  be  realized  in  its  fulness.  It  was  no 
longer  an  excursion  South  at  the  government  expense, 
but  meant  possible,  if  not  probable,  death  from  bullet 
or  disease. 

The  men  that  answered  this  almost  despairing  call  for 
volunteer  troops  did  so,  therefore,  with  a  far  better  under 
standing  of  what  the  meaning  of  it  all  was  than  had  been 
the  case  with  many  of  their  predecessors  at  the  time  of 
their  earlier  enlistment. 

It  is  well  to  bear  in  mind  also  that  (he  large  majority 
of  those  who  entered  the  service  in  obedience  to  this 
urgent  call  of  President  Lincoln  were  not  among  the 
surplus  of  our  population,  but  were  men  who  had 
homes,  were  engaged  in  the  various  industrial,  mechan 
ical,  business,  and  professional  occupations  and,  there 
fore,  at  great  personal  sacrifice  in  the  majority  of  in- 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT. 

stances,  placed  their  names  on  the  rolls  of  our  patriotic 
and  volunteer  army. 

There  can  be  no  question,  therefore,  as  to  the  courage 
and  patriotism  of  these  late  volunteers.  But  the  trouble 
was  as  we  have  said,  that  as  to  every  branch  of  the 
service,  they  were  utterly  ignorant  of  the  most  import 
ant  duties  relating  to  military  life. 

This.  ho\vever,  also  must  be  said,  they  were  apt 
scholars  in  the  art  and  science  of  war,  and  it  was  not 
long  before  they  learned  to  do  anything  that  any  soldier 
on  earth  ever  did  on  the  field  of  battle  or  in  the  presence 
of  an  enemy. 

In  fact  our  youngest  men  "grew  bronzed,  aged 
and  desperately  thoughtful''  as  the  months  went  on. 
Infantry  boys  who  at  first  shut  their  eyes  when  they 
pulled  the  trigger,  after  awhile  came  to  love  and  pet 
the  musket  as  if  it  were  a  trusted  friend. 

Artillery  boys  who  at  first  more  than  once  put  their 
fingers  in  their  ears  when  the  cannon  went  off,  after 
awhile  became  used  to  the  thunders  of  an  engagement, 
seized  the  ramrod,  sent  home  the  cartridge,  and  flashed 
the  cannon  sooner  than  the  enemy  was  ready  for  it. 

And  cavalry  boys  who  in  their  earlier  engagements 
with  the  enemy  clung  with  both  hands  to  keep  astride 
their  horses,  after  awhile  learned  to  ride  at  a  breakneck 
speed,  slashing  through  and  flanking  the  most  chivalric 
troops  of  which  the  Southern  army  could  boast. 

One  of  the  staff  officers  of  the  Confederate  A.  P.  Hill's 
celebrated  corps  recently  wrote  thus  as  to  his  recollec 
tions  of  the  last  few  months  of  the  war: — 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  21 

"The  {'losing  days  of  the  terrible  conflict  are  to  me  a 
chaos — a  memory  of  muddy  roads,  of  short  rations,  of 
marching-  and  halting  and  of  getting  under  cover  of 
batteries  to  resist  the  desperate  rush  of  that  splendid 
corps  of  horsemen  in  blue  who  so  unexpectedly  assailed 
us  from  all  sides." 

Statesmen  and  soldiers  in  Europe  who  after  the 
Battle  of  Bull  Run  lost  all  faith  in  the  power  and 
disposition  of  Northern  volunteers  to  tight,  at  length 
confessed  that  the  world  never  had  seen  better  lighting. 

The  Confederate  troops,  who  at  the  outset  despised  our 
mettle  and  laughed  at  our  awkwardness  on  the  field,  at 
length  trembled  and  sometimes  fled  when  they  saw  us 
coming. 

When  our  men  had  learned  the  arts  of  war  and  had 
confidence  in  their  leaders,  when  they  reali/ed  the  perils 
that  threatened  the  national  existence,  and  when  the 
resolution  to  conquer  or  to  die  had  become  supreme, 
then  we  were  a  match  for  any  troops  that  ever  were 
drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  on  this  or  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Atlantic  ocean. 

And  these  pages  we  hope  may  worthily  commemorate 
the  courage  and  patriotism  of  the  men  of  New  Hampshire, 
who,  in  the  gloomiest  hours  of  the  rebellion,  left  their 
homes  and  their  various  occupations  and  professions 
to  suffer  and  die  for  the  preservation  of  the  Tnion, 
whose  overthrow  had  been  threatened. 


CHAPTER  II. 

ORGANIZATION  AND  DEPARTURE  OF  THE  REGIMENT. 


Or  R  preliminary  camp  life  while  at  Concord,  which 
was  on  the  pine  plains  north  of  the  city  on  the  east 
side  of   the  Merrimac  river,  began  about  the  mid 
dle  of  October  1802,  and  was  for  the  larger  part  unevent 
ful.       The    regular   company  and    battalion  drills,  dress 
parade,    guard    mounting,   and  policing  of  the  grounds, 
kept  our  men  occupied,  though   not  laboriously  so,  dur 
ing  the  bright    and    exhilarating  days   of    October   and 
early  November. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  November,  there  was  witnessed  by 
quite  a  gathering  of  citizens  and  soldiers  our  initial 
dress  parade.  AYe  certainly  did  not  disgrace  ourselves, 
though  there  were  some  hitches  in  the  movements  of  the 
men,  and  not  a  little  anxiety  and  uneasiness  on  the  part 
of  the  officers.  Hut  the  day  came,  and  not  long  after, 
when  we  had  no  hesitancy  in  appearing  on  dress  parade 
before  any  class  or  number  of  witnesses,  and  soon  after 
our  arrival  in  Louisiana  no  regiment  at  dress  parade  was 
more  highly  complimented  by  the  staff  officers  of  Gen 
eral  Hanks  than  ours. 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE     V  ()  LC  STEERS.  9.3 

While  at  Concord,  the  regiment  lield  regular  prayer 
and  religions  conference  meetings,  organised  a  temper 
ance  association,  honoring  the  adjutant  by  u'ivinu1  it  liis 
name  and  by  electing  him  its  first  president.  These 
various  meetings  were  continued  until  the  active  cam 
paign  in  Louisiana  brought  them  to  a  close. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  spirit  of  our  regiment,  we 
give  an  incident  outside  the  routine  duties  of  the  en 
campment  that  occurred  while  we  were  at  Concord.  A 
man  bearing  the  name  Kussell  appeared  amonu1  us. 
whose  genial  ways  and  smooth  words  won  the  confi 
dence  of  some  of  our  boys,  and  also  their  money. 

lie  was,  as  it  turned  out,  a  professional  gambler,  and 
before  his  real  character  was  known,  had  taken  the  last 
dollar  at  a.  game  of  cards  from  at  least  one  of  our  boys, 
who  afterward  "told  on  him." 

The  evidence  was  so  conclusive  that  Kussell  was  sei/ed 
and  placed  astride  a  stout  pine  rail  from  which  the 
rough  bark  had  not  been  taken,  and  no  fewer  than  three 
hundred  of  our  men  carried  him  to  Concord  and  de 
livered  him  to  the  police  authorities  of  that  city.  While 
crossing  the  bridge,  the  cry  was  raised,  "Throw  him 
into  the  river." 

A  movement  was  made  as  if  to  do  this.  His  passion 
ate  plea  for  life  betrayed  his  terror;  he  was  sp-ired  this 
baptism  and  soon  after  was  set  at  liberty;  it  is  very 
doubtful  if  he  ever  after  attempted  to  ply  his  profession 
among  the  sturdy  troops  of  New  Hampshire. 

We  should  not  be  faithful  to  the  true  historic  spirit, 
however,  were  we  to  leave  the  impression  that  all  the 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

members  of  our  regiment  were  saints  ;  for  there  were 
among  them  some  sinners. 

Those  unsanctified  ones  began  even  while  at  Concord 
to  betray  foraging  proclivities,  which,  however,  served 
us  many  a  good  turn  afterwards  when  we  were  in  the 
enemy's  country.  They  had,  of  course,  no  justification 
for  indulging  these  aptitudes  while  they  were  still  on  the 
soil  of  New  Hampshire. 

A  turkey  roost  was  visited  by  some  of  those  bad  boys 
and  the  stolen  turkeys  were  brought  into  cam])  at  mid 
night.  The  guard  had  been  bought  up  and  it  was  quite 
impossible  for  the  officers  to  discover  the  perpetrators  of 
the  theft.  Tn  justice  to  all  concerned,  however,  it 
should  be  said  that  the  thieves  in  this  particular  instance 
were  professionals,  who  had  enlisted  to  secure  the 
bounty  offered  by  certain  towns,  and  who  deserted  be 
fore  the  regiment  left  the  state. 

A  little  later  a  barrel  of  cider  was  stolen,  rolled  from 
no  small  distance,  and  secreted  in  a  trench  dug  in  one  of 
the  tents,  and  then  covered  with  straw  and  an  army 
blanket.  By  what  means  the  boys  in  the  neighborhood 
of  that  tent  had  cider  twice  or  three  times  a  day,  was 
more  than  the  innocent  ones  could  understand.  But  it 
goes  without  saying  that  those  preliminary  thefts  were 
condemned  by  the  officers  of  the  regiment  and  by  all 
our  men  except  a  very  few  who  shared  more  or  less  in 
the  plunder. 

There  was  still  another  incident  of  note  while  at  Con 
cord  which  illustrates  the  spirit  of  our  men. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOU'NTEERS.  2? 

Overcoats  had  been  issued  before  we  were  must 
ered  into  service.  They  looked  well  and  were  of 
darker  color  than  the  ordinary  army  blue.  But  they 
proved  to  be  made  of  the  cheapest  shoddy  goods  and  on 
being  wet  the  dye  stuff  used  in  coloring  them  stained 
everything  it  touched.  It  was  affirmed  almost  under 
oath,  certainly  with  the  oaths  of  some  of  the  boys,  that 
a  barrel  of  ink  could  be  made  from  each  overcoat. 

This  attempted  imposition,  however,  miscarried,  for 
our  men  absolutely  refused  to  be  mustered  into  service 
until  there  was  an  exchange  of  overcoats.  The  governor 
of  the  state  pleaded  with  the  men  not  to  make  trouble; 
but  they  were  resolute  and  firm  as  the  hills  surrounding 
them.  A  few  days  later  the  exchange  was  made. 

The  judgment  may  seem  severe  but  was  freely  ex 
pressed  that  the  manufacturers  of  those  goods  and  the 
ones  who  attempted  to  palm  them  off  upon  the  govern 
ment  ought  to  have  been  court-martialed  and  shot. 

II.       DEPARTURE. 

The  intensest  sufferings  during  our  civil  war  were  not 
on  the  field  of  battle,  but  in  the  home  circle  ;  not  amid 
the  rattle  of  musketry  and  boom  of  cannon,  but  in  noise 
less  heart  throbs,  when  the  gray-haired  father,  with 
choking  voice  said  to  his  son,  u  Gk>,  my  precious  boy, 
and  God  bless  you1'  ;  when  the  devoted  mother  prayed 
and  wept  all  night  long  after  her  son's  enlistment  ;  and 
when,  amid  fareAvell  words,  and  daring  the  months  that 
followed,  wives,  and  young  women  who  had  pledged 
their  affect-ions  to  their  lovers,  suffered  the  agony  of 
many  deaths. 


28  IIISTOKY    OF    TIIK    SIXTKKXTH    IJECUMEXT 

In  consequence  of  these  distressing  experiences  there 
sank  into  the  grave  prematurely  a  whole  generation  of 
those  who  saw  no  field  of  battle,  who  heard  no  report  of 
musket  or  cannon,  but  who  remained,  in  tears,  with 
aching  hearts  and  sleepless  nights,  among  the  quiet 
hills  of  the  Granite  State. 

The  latter  part  of  the  week  beginning  November  fif 
teenth  was  a  season  of  increasing  activity  among  the 
members  of  our  regiment,  for  we  had  received  orders  to 
be  in  readiness  for  a  move  on  short  notice.  It  was  not 
expected,  however,  that  we  should  break  camp  before 
Monday  or  Tuesday  of  the  week  following.  But  late  on 
Saturday,  the  order  came  that  we  were  to  take  our  de 
parture  the  next  morning. 

The  colonel  and  other  Christian  officers  of  the  regi 
ment  had  pleaded  with  Governor  Berry  not  to  require 
us  to  make  our  first  move  on  Sunday.  He  did,  perhaps, 
all  in  his  power  to  comply  with  our  request,  but  the 
railway  and  steamboat  arrangements  had  been  made,  and 
orders  from  the  United  States  officers  were  imperative. 

We  may  also  note  that  several  of  our  men,  who  had 
been  furlough  ed  from  Saturday  until  Monday,  were  at 
the  railroad  station  or  were  already  on  their  way  home 
when  the  order  to  move  reached  our  camp.  But  a  notifi 
cation  at  the  station  or  a  telegram  to  those  who  had 
gone  was  all  that  was  necessary  to  bring  back  our  men 
to  the  regiment  ;  their  furloughs  did  not  keep  them  from 
their  places  in  the  ranks  an  hour  longer  than  was  abso 
lutely  necessary. 


NEW    II  AM  PS  III  UK    YOLTXTKEKS.  29 

Saturday  night  was  cold,  and  there  was  a  storm  of 
sleet  and  snow  that  lasted  till  n^ar  morning.  It  was 
clear  by  sunrise,  however,  and  at  about  eight  o'clock  on 
Sunday  morning,  November  twenty-third,  in  a  frosty 
atmosphere,  but  under  as  brilliant  a  New  England  sky 
as  one  could  wish  to  see,  the  Sixteenth  marched  in  four 
ranks  through  the  main  street  of  Concord.  At  the  rail 
way  station  were  friends  from  different  sections  of  the 
state  who  had  come  to  see  us  off. 

The  ranks  were  broken  for  a  few  minutes,  and  friend 
clasped  the  hand  of  friend,  and  hopes  were  mingled 
with  sad  apprehensions.  The  words  of  affection  and 
admonition,  and  the  farewells  then  spoken,  still  linger 
in  the  memory  of  the  few  who  survive  to  recall  them. 

A  little  later  a  train  of  twenty  cars  moved  slowly  away 
with  its  freight  of  almost  a  thousand  loyal  hearts,  nearly 
half  of  whom,  in  life  and  health,  were  never  again  to  see 
their  native  state.  The  mental  and  heart  anguish  of 
that  morning,  in  its  fulness,  was  known  only  to  God, 
arid  into  his  ears  on  that  day,  from  its  earliest  morning 
hour  to  the  hour  that  brought  the  day  to  its  close,  was 
}>oured  a  volume  of  prayer  such  as  only  burdened,  devout, 
and  loving  hearts  can  offer. 

The  ride  during  the  day  was  without  anything  of 
interest  worthy  of  note,  except  that  in  passing  through 
towns  and  cities  our  boys  were  cheered  and  signalled  by 
the  people  with  handkerchiefs  and  the  waving  of  hands. 
Such  responses  were  returned  as  are  customary  under 
like  circumstances,  though,  if  the  truth  were  known, 


HO  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    ItEGIMENT 

many  in  the  regiment  were  less  demonstrative  than  they 
would  have  been  on  some  other  day  of  the  week. 

And  yet,  we  have  to  confess  that  on  that  day  there 
was  evidence  that  we  were  not  all  as  pious  or  as  strict 
Sabbath  observers  as  we  might  have  been.  For,  during 
the  day,  one  of  our  men  captured  a  well-bred  spaniel 
dog  at  one  of  the  railway  stations  and  carried  him  on  to 
Newr  York.  The  owner  followed  on  the  next  train  and 
entered  complaint.  After  proving  property,  the  dog 
was  restored  and  the  forager  was  severely  reprimanded  by 
the  colonel  for  laying  in  commissary  stores  on  Sunday 
and  before  we  were  ont  of  Puritan  New  England. 

Our  route  was  over  the  Nashua  and  Worcester  rail 
way  to  Allyn's  Point,  where,  between  six  and  seven 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  regiment  left  the  train  and 
embarked  on  the  steamer  City  of  Boston.  The  sail  on 
Long  Island  Sound  during  the  night  was  not  an  un 
pleasant  one,  but  there  were  many  heavy  hearts,  for  our 
men  were  beginning  to  realize,  some  of  them  keenly, 
that  every  hour  increased  the  distance  between  them  and 
scenes  and  faces  the  dearest  of  any  on  earth. 

Not  far  from  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  November 
twenty-fourth,  we  reached  the  dock  in  East  river,  New 
York.  A  biting  northwest  wind  told  us  plainly  enough 
that  we  were  not  yet  in  the  sunny  south,  and  we  felt  that 
we  had  not  taken  with  us  the  comforts  of  our  New  Eng 
land  home  life. 

We  were  cared  for  during  the  early  part  of  the  day  at 
the  Park  barracks,  and  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
were  ordered  to  pitch  our  tents  iu  "Battery  Park.  The 


ONE   OP  THE   CONTRACTORS. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    A'OLV  XTEKRS.  31 

weather  a  part  of  the  time  during  our  encampment  there 
was  piercing  cold,  and  our  cloth  tents,  with  beds  on  the 
ground,  the  beds  consisting  of  bundle  straw,  afforded  a 
protection  not  the  best,  as  one  easily  can  imagine. 
Several  of  our  men  in  consequence  of  that  exposure  were 
made  sick  and  two  or  three  never  fully  recovered. 

Our  stay  in  the  city  of  New  York,  however,  was  not 
altogether  devoid  of  comfort  and  interest.  Our  regiment- 
was  much  praised  by  the  people  of  the  city,  both  on  ac 
count  of  the  excellent  soldiery  bearing  of  the  men  and 
more  especially  for  their  uniform  good  behavior. 

Sometimes  the  boys  complained,  but  not  without 
reason,  of  accommodations  and  especially  of  rations, 
though  on  the  whole  the  complaints  were  fewer  than 
might  have  been  expected.  The  most  pronounced  ex 
pressions  of  dissatisfaction  Avere  on  Thanksgiving  day, 
November,  twenty-seventh.  Indeed,  it  seemed  for 
awhile  that  their  downright  and  indignant  protests  would 
end  in  open  revolt.  The  meat  was  miserable  in  quality 
and  poorly  cooked.  The  bread  was  heavy  and  sour, 
and  some  of  our  men,  who  had  known  from  earliest 
childhood  what  a  Thanksgiving  day's  dinner  meant  in 
New  England,  declared  in  no  suppressed  tones  that  they 
would  make  a  "nigger"  and  Irish  soup  of  the  cooks  if 
another  such  dinner  was  served. 

The  cooks,  perhaps,  were  not  altogether  to  blame. 
They  were  the  mercenary  contractors  to  whom  had  been 
let  out  the  provisioning  of  the  regiment,  and  whose  sole  or 
paramount  object  seems  to  have  been  not  to  provide  for 
the  welfare  and  comfort  of  the  men  or  to  do  an  honest 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REG1MEXT 

tiling  by  the  government  but  to  make  as  much  money  as 
they  could  out  of  their  contracts,  who  were  blameworthy 
and  ought  to  have  been  imprisoned  and  put  on  the  mis 
erable  fare  they  were  serving  to  ns. 

The  yeomanry  of  New  Hampshire  as  well  as  other  men 
can  appreciate  good  usage  and  endure  bravely  hardships 
that  are  inevitable,  but  they  cannot  be  blamed  for  re 
senting  anything  like  imposition  or  ill  usage,  and  our 
men  never  hesitated  to  give  expression  to  such  resent 
ment,  and  we  may  add  that  evidence  of  the  total  deprav 
ity  of  many  of  those  army  contractors  certainly  was  not 
wanting.  And  did  not  those  men  who  became  rich  through 
frauds  perpetrated  upon  the  government  at  the  expense 
and  suffering  of  men  who  were  sacrificing  everything  to 
save  the  nation,  merit  the  wrath  of  heaven  '( 

Saturday,  November  twenty-ninth,  was  for  our 
regiment  a  gala  day.  The  sons  of  New  Hampshire  re 
siding  in  New  York  city,  gave  us  what  was  called  a 
Thanksgiving  dinner.  In  the  way  of  food  supplies  it 
was  all  that  the  name  indicates.  It  concluded,  as  such 
occasions  usually  do,  with  a  round  of  laudatory  and 
patriotic  speech-making. 

We  may  add  that  more  than  once  during  our  stay  in 
New  York,  fruit  and  provisions  of  various  kinds  were 
sent  to  our  encampment  in  quantity  by  gentlemen  who 
had  gone  from  New  Hampshire  to  New  York  city,  and 
who  in  consequence  were  kindly  disposed  and  naturally 
interested  in  our  welfare. 


CHAPTER    III. 

SEA    VOYAGE. 

AS  early  as  Monday,  December  fourth,  orders  were 
received  to  embark  on  the  steamer,  Eastern 
Queen.  The  regiment  was  in  readiness  to  obey 
the  order.  Then  followed  counter  orders.  On  Tuesday 
we  again  w^ere  notified  to  march  to  the  Eastern  Queen, 
and  our  tents  wrere  struck.  Then  the  order  was  for 
the  second  time  countermanded. 

But  on  Thursday,  December  sixth,  early  in  the  morn 
ing,  in  the  midst  of  a  snow  squall,  our  regiment  really 
was  on  its  way  to  the  steamer.  Seven  companies, 
counting  from  the  left,  embarked,  and,  except  for  the 
emphatic  protest  of  our  officers,  the  other  three  compan 
ies  and  a  JSrew  York  battery  besides  would  have  been 
crowded  upon  a  small  unseaworthy  side-wrheel  steamer, 
of  only  seven  hundred  tons  register,  which,  even  with  a 
much  smaller  freight,  was  in  no  way  fit  for  such  a  voy 
age  as  was  before  us. 

Friday,  December  seventh,  1862,  at  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternooon,  our  steamer  weighed  anchor,  and  slowly 
sailed,  as  we  supposed,  for  our  destination.  But  when 
about  four  miles  from  her  last  anchorage,  much  to  the 


34  HISTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KKGIMKNT 

surprise  of  all  and  the  annoyance  of  some,  slie  was 
slowed  down  and  stopped,  and  the  anchor  was  cast  into 
the  sea.  To  all  our  questions  put:  to  the  officers  of  the 
steamer,  no  satisfactory  explanation  was  given.  The 
regimental  officers  supposed,  however,  that  her  captain 
was  following  secret  orders.  But  we  had  reason  after 
wards  to  suppose  that  the  superstitious  dread  common 
among  sailors  of  beginning  a  voyage  on  Friday  had 
taken  possession  of  our  captain,  and  had  led  him  to 
defy  the  explicit  orders  that  had  been  given,  and,  in 
utter  disregard  of  any  disastrous  consequences  that 
might  result,  he  took  the  matter  of  sailing  into  his  own 
hands,  and  anchored  until  daylight  the  next  morning. 
At  least  no  denial  of  this  charge  ever  has  been  made 
and  no  other  explanation  though  repeatedly  asked  for 
ever  has  been  given. 

The  first  day  out  was  one  of  interest  to  some  of  our 
men  who  never  before  had  been  on  the  broad  Atlantic, 
whose  lives,  rather,  had  been  passed  among  the  peaceful 
and  beautiful  landscape  scenes  of  New  England. 

From  the  squalls  of  the  night  before,  the  Jersey  coast 
was  covered  with  patches  of  snow  that  to  us  were  not  an 
INI  familiar  sight.  During  the  day,  too,  we  encountered 
several  snow  squalls,  as  if  Winter  was  not  to  part 
company  with  her  Uranite  State  boys  without  giving 
them,  as  reminders,  a  parting  salute  or  two. 

By  afternoon  and  evening  of  this  first  day  out,  sea 
sickness  became  an  epidemic.  Poor  seasick  and  home 
sick  wretches!  Thoughts  of  the  fireside  circle,  of  food 
prepared  by  the  hands  of  wives  and  mothers,  the  charm 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTXTEERS.  37 

of    the    dining-room  table,   and  all  such  visions  flouted 
before  our  minds,  only  to  increase  our  misery. 

Nor  is  it  to  be  wondered  that  many  of  us  felt  during 
that  day  and  night  that  we  were  the  most  guilty  crim 
inals  on  land  or  sen,  and  deserved  severe  punishment 
for  ever  having  complained  of  anything  in  our  home  life, 
and  that  we  had  been  fools  and  idiots  for  enlisting  in 
the  army,  even  to  save  the  Union! 

Seven  o'clock.  Sunday  morning,  the  sealed  orders 
were  broken.  There  had  been  many  speculations  as  to 
the  destination  of  our  regiment.  Almost  every  place  on 
the  Southern  seaboard  had  been  mentioned,  but  the 
orders  were  that  the  steamer  should  proceed  direct  to 
Ship  Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  river,  unless 
it  became  necessary  to  recoal  at  Tortugas.  We  were 
thus  destined  to  be  taken  to  a  much  greater  distance 
from  home  than  had  been  expected  when  the  assignment 
of  our  regiment  was  made  to  the  Banks  expedition. 

This  news  added  a  fresh  gloom  to  the  already  accumu 
lated  woes  of  our  boys.  Sunday  and  Sunday  night  were 
about  as  dismal  as  cold,  biting  winds,  rolling  and  heavy 
seas,  downright  seasickness,  and  homesickness,  could 
make  them. 

On  waking  Monday  morning,  it  was  discovered  that 
the  sun  was  rising  on  the  starboard  side  of  the  steamer, 
instead  of  on  the  port,  where  it  should  be  shining  if  we 
were  sailing  south.  It  was  evident,  therefore,  that  for 
some  reason  the  course  during  the  night  had  been 
changed.  Explanations  followed,  and  we  learned  that 
under  the  pounding  of  heavy  seas  the  boat  had  sprung 


HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

a  leak  ;  and  q_uite  early  in  the  morning  the  report  was 
circulated  that  she  was  filling  three  times  as  fast  as  she 
could  be  pumped,  and  that  the  water  was  already  nearly 
up  to  the  furnace  fires. 

Those  reports  proved  to  be  yarns.  But  that  the 
steamer  was  disabled  was  evident  enough,  for  she  listed 
badly,  and  labored  heavily  and  at  times  perilously 
amidst  those  stormy  and  rough  seas  that  were  breaking 
upon  and  over  her. 

The  facts  were,  that  the  strain  had  loosened  the  plank 
ing,  above  the  water-line  fortunately,  and  at  ten  o'clock 
the  night  before  the  sheathing  of  the  guards  of  the 
paddle-wheel  and  some  of  the  paddles  on  the  starboard 
side  had  been  smashed  into  fine  kindling.  The  steamer 
was,  therefore,  in  great  danger  of  having  the  wheel 
twisted  on  the  shaft  to  such  extent  as  to  prevent  its 
revolution,  or  else  broken  completely,  and  we  should 
then  have  been  left  helpless  and  at  the  mercy  of  the 
stormy  Atlantic.  In  this  condition  the  steamer  was 
headed  for  Fortress  Monroe,  about  forty  miles  north  of 
the  point  she  had  reached  the  night  before. 

At  half-past  ten  o'clock  Monday  morning,  December 
eighth,  we  cast  anchor  near  Fortress  Monroe  and  repairs 
were  begun. 

This  was  for  us  a  brief  and  grateful  respite  from  sea 
sickness.  No  one  of  the  regiment,  however,  was  allowed 
to  go  on  shore  or  even  to  speak  to  any  persons  who  came 
near  in  boats,  or  to  send  letters  or  telegrams  to  anxious 
ones  at  home.  The  destination  of  the  Hanks  expedition 
was  to  be  kept  a  profound  secret. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTXTEEKS.  39 

And  yet,  some  of  the  ship's  crew  who  went  on  shore 
to  get  help  and  materials  for  repairs,  reported  that  our 
destination  was  well  known  even  to  the  workmen  at 
Fortress  Monroe.  This,  we  presume,  is  a  specimen  of 
the  way  army  secrets  at  that  time  were  kept.  Anything 
known  in  the  city  of  Washington  was  said  to  be  known 
almost  the  same  day  in  the  city  of  Kichmond. 

The  dread  of  putting  to  sea  again  was  keenly  felt  by 
most  of  our  men,  and  not  a  few  declared  they  would 
gladly  face  death  on  the  held  of  battle  or  anywhere 
else,  but  could  not  again  endure  sea-sickness.  "  I  would 
give,"  said  a  poor  fellow,  while  looking  wistfully  at  the 
beach,  "a  month's  pay  for  a  handful  of  that  sand  to 
carry  along  with  me." 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  Monday,  December  eighth, 
the  repairs  were  completed,  and  our  miserably  unfit 
craft  weighed  anchor  and  again  headed  out  to  sea. 

On  the  way  down  the  bay  we  met  the  steam  transports 
Robert  Morris  and  Joltn  A.  Warren,  loaded  with  troops 
coming  into  port,  for  what  reason  we  did  not  know,  and 
as  our  exceptionally  tine  band  played  its  greeting  to 
these  incoming  comrades,  cheer  after  cheer  in  acknowl 
edgment  rose  from  about  three  thousand  throats,  echo 
ing  far  over  the  waters  of  the  beautiful  Chesapeake 
bay. 

The  next  few  days  were  pleasant,  with  a  constantly 
rising  temperature  and  a  comparatively  smooth  sea. 

As  the  boys  under  those  favorable  conditions  began  to 
improve  in  health,  they  also  became  more  and  more 


40  HISTORY     OF    T.HK    SIXTEENTH     RK(iIMKXT 

pugnacious.  As  a  result,  there  were  two  rebellions  on 
the  same  day,  December  tenth. 

The  first  was  a  determination  on  the  part  of  several  of 
the  men  to  resist  the  general  order  to  have  all  the 
soldiers  vaccinated.  Some  of  the  men  who  did  not  be 
lieve  in  vaccination  said  they  would  be  shot  first.  After 
awhile  rhis  insubordination,  through  the  persuasion  of 
the  regimental  officers,  came  to  an  end.  But  later,  a 
report  being  circulated  that  the  vaccine  virus  was  not 
pure,  some  of  the  men,  after  the  surgeons  had  done  their 
work,  actually  cut  and  dug  the  virus  out  of  their  arms 
with  their  jack-knives. 

The  second  mutiny  was  in  consequence  of  the  poor 
rations  that  had  been  issued.  For  dinner  that  day  the 
men  were  served  with  pork  and  bread.  For  supper  there 
was  doled  out  to  them  a  half-dipper  of  coffee,  four 
spoonfuls  of  half-boiled  rice,  and  a  table-spoonful  of 
molasses.  Think  of  that  kind  of  fare  for  sick,  also  for 
convalescent  and  well  men  !  Some  of  the  boys  (duioxt 
swore  that  they  would  make  an  attack  on  the  ship's 
stores  unless  they  were  better  served.  This  rebell 
ion  was  so  pronounced  that  the  officers  of  the  boat, 
who  seemingly  were  trying  to  make  a  handsome  thing- 
out  of  their  contract  to  supply  the  men,  became  alarmed 
and  asked  for  a  guard  to  defend  the  stores  against  an 
attack. 

After  this  mutinous  demonstration,  the  boat,  as  might 
be  inferred,  attempted,  during  the  rest  of  the  voyage, 
no  further  imposition  and  nonsense  of  the  kind  that  had 
caused  the  trouble. 


NEW     II  AM  PSIIIRK    VOLTNTKKRS.  41 

The  sense  of  justice  in  the  men,  however,  had  become 
so  outraged  that  they  did  what  more  honest  men  would 
not  have  done,  and  what  they  themselves  would  not 
have  done  but  for  the  provocation;  that  is,  though  the 
ship's  stores  were  under  guard,  a  barrel  of  extra  hne 
syrup  somehow  was  on  tap  and  was  used  freely  during 
the  voyage.  Three  or  four  of  the  men  found  the  fresh 
meat  locker  and  discovered  a  way  into  it,  tipped  the  cooks 
of  the  boat  who,  unbeknown  to  the  officers  cooked  on  a 
single  day,  for  the  boys,  an  entire  hind  quarter  of  fresh 
beef. 

And  this  was  not  all.  One  of  the  men  of  Company 
II,  feeling  that  the  sutler  was  taking1  advantage  in  over 
charging  for  tobacco,  which,  however,  was  probablv  not 
the  case,  at  least,  when  the  doctrine  of  chances  and  risks 
is  taken  into  account,  removed  the  hinges  of  one  of  the 
chests  of  the  sutler,  and  filled  his  boot-legs  with  plugs 
of  navy  tobacco;  after  that  every  man,  including  the 
guards,  who  wanted  a  chew,  had  one. 

It  was  during  those  days  that  the  facility  with  which 
]NTew  Hampshire  men  can  turn  their  hand  to  various  un 
dertakings,  found  two  very  clever  illustrations.  Captain 
Sanborn,  feeling  that  his  sick  men  needed  what  they 
were  not  getting,  went  into  the  kitchen  of  the  steamer 
and  made  for  them  a  barrel  of  corn  meal  porridge.  Cap 
tain  Ilersey,  not  to  be  outdone  by  Sanborn,  next  took 
possession  of  the  kitchen,  rolled  up  his  sleeves,  made 
and  fried  for  his  men  a  barrel  or  more  of  doughnuts. 

It  was  at  that  time,  too,  that  the  boys  of  Company  K, 
who  largely  were  from  Portsmouth,  being,  therefore, 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

somewhat  familiar  with  seafaring  life,  and  with  the 
yarns  of  sailors,  were  merciless  enough  to  tell  the  farmer 
boys  and  others  from  the  interior  of  the  state  the  most 
harrowing  stories  of  shipwrecks,  of  boats  springing 
leaks,  of  tempests.  West  India  tornadoes,  and  other 
perils  and  prognostications  that  had  some  grain  of  truth, 
but  were  told  out  of  pure  mischievousness.  Those  men 
of  Company  K  deserved  a  severe  reprimand,  but,  so  far 
as  we  recollect,  they  never  received  it. 

At  eight  o'clock,  Saturday  morning,  December  four 
teenth,  we  passed  Cape  Sable,  the  extreme  point  of 
Florida  to  the  south,  and  a  few  hours  later  saw  the 
wreck  of  the  Marion  ftanford,  one  of  our  fleet  of  boats 
bound,  as  we  were,  to  Ship  Island.  She  had  struck  on 
the  reef  of  San  Key,  and  was  well  out  of  water.  At  the 
time  we  passed,  the  wreckers  were  stripping  her  of 
Avhatever  of  value  could  be  taken.  We  afterward 
learned  that  the  troops  that  sailed  on  her,  including  the 
Fifteenth  ^sew  Hampshire  regiment,  were  taken  olf  in 
safety  and  forwarded  by  other  transports. 

There  is  always  a  kind  of  "mute  eloquence"  in  a 
wreck  like  this,  and  the  sight  of  the  Saiiford  did  not 
tend  to  calm  our  fears,  and  certainly  did  not  inspire  con 
fidence  that  we  ourselves  were  out  of  danger,  though 
we  were  in  the  (?ulf  of  Mexico. 

Sunday,  December  fourteenth,  about  ten  o'clock  in  the 
forenoon,  we  were  piloted  through  a  serpentine  passage 
to  Fort  Jefferson,  on  Dry  Tortugas,  a  coral  island,  not 
far  from  the  Florida  coast,  which  was  used  during  the 
war  as  a  station  for  furnishing  supplies  of  coal  and 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOLt'XTKERS.  48 

naval  stores  to  the  Gulf  squadron.  A  vast  amount  of 
money  had  been  appropriated  by  Southern  members  of 
congress  to  make  this  place  impregnable,  though  when 
we  we.re  there  everything  had  the  appearance  of  incom 
pleteness,  except  the  climate  ;  that  seemed  inarvelously 
perfect.  It  was  like  summer.  The  shade- trees,  cocoa, 
date  palm,  castor-oil,  and  other  trees  and  plants  were  in 
their  leafage  and  fruitage.  This  was  a  new  experience 
for  most  of  us,  and  we  wondered  at  seeing  summer  in  the 
month  of  December. 

During  the  day  our  men  were  allowed  on  shore,  and 
not  a  few  of  them  patronized  the  sutler  of  that  post,  and 
nearly  cleaned  him  out.  There  were  some  things  not 
paid  for,  but  "drawn,"  a  mild  term  used  in  the  army 
in  the  place  of  the  word  stealing.  This  came  about, 
however,  from  a  sense  of  New  England  justice.  The 
sutler  was  so  exorbitant  in  his  prices  that  some  the  boys, 
only  a  few  of  them,  however,  thought  they  might  even 
up  a  little,  and  then  he  would  make,  as  they  reckoned, 
at  least  two  hundred  per  cent,  profit  on  what  he  sold. 

Among  other  property  taken  during1  this  wicked  raid 
on  the  sutler  was  a  hugli  cheese.  How  the  privates 
managed  to  secure  it  was  not  generally  reported,  though 
the  cheese  was  generously  distributed,  and  some  of  the 
officers  were  remembered,  even  while  protesting  against 
such  acts  of  vandalism.  The  steamer,  having  taken  her 
supply  of  coal,  which  was  put  on  board  by  the  wheel 
barrow  load,  headed  out  soon  after  daylight  into  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  day,  December  fifteenth,  was 
everything  that  could  be  desired  ;  the  water  was  smooth. 


44  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEEN  Til     REOI.MENT 

the  sea-gulls  were  calling  or  scolding,  the  porpoises  were 
sporting,  and  the  whales  occasionally  were  spouting. 

The  night  following  was  the  same  in  quietness  as  the 
day  had  been.  There  were  glowing  stars  in  the  sky  and 
the  surface  of  the  (lulf  was  luminous  with  phosphores 
cent  animalcuhe. 

tv  All  this  is  a  weather  breeder,''  said  the  Portsmouth 
boys.  AVe  of  the  interior  Avinked  and  laughed.  The 
cry  of  wolf  had  been  heard  too  many  times  to  alarm  us 

*/  *• 

any  more. 

But  on  Tuesday  morning  everything  was  ugly.  We 
were  in  a  kt  norther"  on  the  (lulf  of  Mexico.  The  boat 
was  headed  towards  the  storm,  and  for  the  first  forty- 
eight  hours  we  made  a  distance  oi'  scarcely  a  mile.  For 
three  days  and  nights  we  were  in  what  the  apostle  Paul 
would  have  called  a  howling  euroclydon.  The  waves 
several  times  washed  the  decks  and  poured  volumes  of 
water  down  the  hatchways  before  they  were  properly 
closed  and  fastened.  The  sheathing  was  again  torn  from 
the  guards,  the  boat  listed,  and  we  were,  for  a  second 
time,  in  imminent  danger  of  being  swamped  ;  and  there 
is  every  reason  to  suppose  we  should  have  been,  had  the 
boat  been  loaded  as  was  first  proposed.  It  was  during 
those  tumultuous  hours  that  the  captain  used  the  men 
for  trimming  the  boat.  They  were  ordered  first  to  one 
side,  then  to  the  other.  After  awhile  they  became 
tired  of  this  sort  of  business  and  did  not  respond,  as  the 
captain  thought,  with  becoming  alacrity  lo  his  orders, 
whereupon  he  quite  astonished  them  by  shouting. 


?sEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  45 

"  Well,  go  to  hell,  then,  if  you  want  to  ;  I  have  as  many 
friends  there  as  you  have/1 

Thursday  night  the  "norther"  had  spent  its  fury, 
and  nine  o'clock  Friday  morning  (fortunate  day  !)  a  low 
strip  of  land  was  discovered,  which  proved  to  be  Ship 
Island,  near  which  we  anchored  not  far  from  the  noon 
hour  of  the  same  day.  We  had  made  an  average  of  hut 
five  knots  an  hour  in  the  entire  distance  of  live  hundred 
miles  from  Tortugas  to  Shi})  Island. 

Here  was  our  expected  destination,  and  we  were  soon 
in  readiness  to  land.  But,  a  little  later,  orders  were 
received  to  sail  to  New  Orleans.  As  our  stores  of  coal 
were  nearly  exhausted,  the  steamer  took  on  fresh  sup 
plies,  and  in  consequence  did  not  leave  Ship  Island 
until  evening. 

Early  the  next  morning,  having  taken  on  board  dur 
ing  the  night  both  harbor  and  river  pilots,  we  were  over 
the  bar  and  sailing  quietly  up  the  river. 

The  lower  Mississippi  is  impressively  uninteresting, 
the  shores  on  either  side  are  low  and  boggy,  but  the  day 
will  come  when  those  lands,  raised  by  yearly  overflows, 
Avill  be  among  the  most  fertile  in  the  world. 

Soon  the  flags  of  Fort  Jackson  and  Fort  St.  Philip,  on 
opposite  sides  of  the  river,  came  in  view.  A  gun  from 
Fort  Jackson  brought  us  to,  and  a  boat  came  alongside 
to  receive  our  report.  Those  forts  are  the  key  to  New 
Orleans,  and  are  the  scene  of  Farragut's  splendid  naval 
fight,  the  recollection  of  which  was  an  inspiration  to  us, 
and  it  was  a  comfort  to  feel  that  the  grand  old  comman 
der  was  on  the  river  above  us. 


4(>  HISTORY  OF  THI;  SIXTEENTH   REGIMENT 

The  partly  water-covered  wreck  of  the  Federal  gunboat 
Verona  received  our  cheers  and  rightly  so,  for  after 
having  sunk  several  Confederate  boats  she  was  run 
ashore  in  a  disabled  condition,  though  still  flying  the 
stars  and  stripes,  and  tiring  her  last  gnn  just  as  her  deck 
sank  below  the  water. 

A  little  further  up  the  river  the  smoke-stack  and 
framework  of  the  wrecked  Confederate  steamboat,  Gov 
ernor  Moore,  were  passed.  We  did  not  sneer  or  hiss, 
but  had  respect  for  the  courage  displayed  during  that 
celebrated  tight  by  her  officers  and  men. 

The  opinion  on  recalling  all  the  facts  seems  not  extrava 
gant  that  the  silencing  of  those  forts,  the  destruction  of 
the  Confederate  fleet  and  the  capture  of  New  Orleans  by 
Farragut,  and  the  subsequent  complete  subjugation  of 
that  city  by  General  Butler  wrere  among  the  most  bril 
liant  achievements  either  by  land  or  sea,  of  the  entire 
War  of  the  Rebellion. 

As  we  continued  our  course  up  the  river  the  scenes 
became  more  and  more  interesting,  at  least  more  and 
more  novel  to  our  men.  The  soft  Southern  sky,  the 
mild  temperature,  the  rich  plantations  with  their  orange 
and  lemon  groves  laden  with  fruit,  the  fragrance  of 
which  tilled  the  air,  were  in  such  contrast  with  the  dis 
tressing  experience  of  the  voyage,  the  seasickness,  the 
stived  and  uncomfortable  quarters,  and  the  ten  hundred 
and  one  bad  odors  of  the  steamer,  that  some  of  our  boys 
thought  we  were  not  far  from  the  gateways  of  Paradise. 

Within  sight  of  the  lights  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
after  a  day  packed  with  interest,  December  nineteenth, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  47 

the  anchor  of  tlie  Eastern  Queen  was  cast  for  the  night. 
Not  many  of  the  men  from  Merrimack  county  ever  can 
forget  the  emotions  that  came  to  them  as  their  eyes 
rested  upon  the  large  steamer  Kearsarr/e  anchored  near 
by,  for  some  of  her  timbers  were  said  to  have  been  cut 
on  the  mountain  bearing  that  name,  under  whose  shadow 
those  men  had  passed  their  boyhood  and. young  manhood. 

As  we  stood  on  the  deck  of  our  steamer  and  looked 
upon  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  the  thoughts  of  both  the 
past  and  the  future  that  most  vividly  came  to  mind  were 
of  the  brilliant  tight,  just  below  the  city,  between  Gen 
eral  Jackson  and  Sir  Edward  Packenham,  in  the  AVar  of 
1812,  and  also  of  the  fights  in  which  we  expected  to  be 
engaged,  within  how  few  days  we  did  not  know. 

In  that  tight  under  Jackson  the  metal  of  the  American 
soldier  shows  to  such  advantage  that  we  shall  be  par 
doned  for  pausing  in  our  narrative  long  enough  to  recall 
a  few  of  the  leading  facts  of  that  famous  battle. 

General  (Sir  Edward)  Packenham  at  the  time  held 
possession  of  the  river  and  the  territory  just  below  New 
Orleans.  He  had  under  his  command  twelve  thousand 
veteran  soldiers  and  four  thousand  well  trained  marines 
and  sailors.  To  meet  this  force  General  Jackson  had 
but  five  thousand  troops,  only  one  thousand  of  whom 
were  regulars.  With  the  exception  of  that  one  thous 
and,  his  men  were  undisciplined,  having  been  brought 
together  hurriedly  from  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  and 
Louisiana.  On  the  morning  of  the  fight,  January  eighth, 
1815,  they  were  posted  behind  a  breastwork  of  cotton- 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

bags  and  earth,  thrown    up   hastily  on   learning   of   the 
enemy's  approach. 

It  was  early  in  the  morning  when  those  twelve  thous 
and  bronzed  and  thoroughly  drilled  British  troops,  fresh 
from  their  recent  victories  in  Spain,  where  they  had 
been  led  by  Sir  Arthur  Wellesley,  afterwards  Duke  and 
Lord  Wellington,  were  seen  advancing,  "with  solid  step 
and  measured  pace,"  against  those  raw  recruits,  com 
manded  by  Jackson.  "Their  compact  and  perfect 
squares,  faultless  in  their  alignment  as  on  dress  parade, 
extending  far  away,  right  and  left,  in  columns  of  regi 
ments,  their  arms  glistening  in  the  sunlight,  and  the 
scarlet  of  England,  the  green  of  Erin,  and  the  plaid  of 
Scotland  commingling,1'  were  said  by  an  eyewitness  to 
have  been  "superbly  magnificent." 

The  Americans,  being  insufficiently  armed,  some  of 
them  without  uniform,  others  from  the  penitentiary, 
released  on  condition  that  they  would  light  that  day, 
were  ordered  by  Jackson  to  form  in  two  ranks.  The 
first  rank  was  to  do  the  firing,  and  the  second,  the 
loa  ding- 
As  the  enemy  drew  near  our  lines  Jackson's  men  were 
perfectly  cool  ;  they  took  deliberate  aim  ;  each  one 
covered  his  man  with  his  deadly  musket,  reserving  his 
fire  till  the  foe  was  in  easy  range.  The  critical  moment 
came.  The  enemy  was  about  to  lire  and  (hen  charge. 
At  that  instant  the  command,  "Fire!"  was  given  by 
Jackson;  and  when  the  smoke  cleared,  the  space  in 
front  of  the  parapet  and  cotton  bags  was  covered  with 
heaps  of  the  enemy's  dead  and  dying.  The  British 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLrXTEERS.  49 

leader,  Packenham,  fell  at  the  first  fire,  and  was  carried 
from  the  field,  mortally  wounded. 

The  troops  were  again  rallied  by  General  Gibbs,  and 
advanced,  but  he  Avas  killed  by  those  deadly  marksmen 
from  the  West  and  South.  The  next  in  command,  Gen 
eral  Keane,  was  likewise  killed. 

A  fourth  general,  Lambert,  then  took  command,  but, 
after  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  rally  his  men,  a 
retreat  was  ordered,  and  those  haughty  battalions,  that 
never  before  had  met  such  disaster,  and  who  easily  had 
conquered  the  famous  legions  led  by  Soult  on  the  Penin 
sula,  now  fled  before  those  undrilled  Americans,  from 
the  field  which  they  thought  and  said  was  to  be  a 
highway  for  their  triumphant  march  upon  the  "booty 
and  beauty"  of  NeAv  Orleans. 

Two  thousand  of  the  British  were  killed  and  wounded, 
according  to  the  historian,  D.  B.  Scott,  though  Edward 
Eggleston  estimates  the  British  loss  at  twenty-six  hun 
dred,  and  the  American  loss  at  only  eight  killed  and 
thirteen  wounded. 

Such  was  the  famous  Battle  of  Xew  Orleans.  And 
the  thought  that  came  to  us  was  that  the  descendants  of 
the  men  who  gained  that  brilliant  victory  sire  the  men 
whom  we  were  to  meet  within  ten  days,  perhaps,  on  the 
field  of  battle. 

And  what  may  be  expected  when  men  from  New  Eng 
land,  the  descendants  of  those  who  met  the  flower  of 
the  British  army  under  General  Gage  at  Concord,  Lex 
ington,  and  Bunker  Hill,  shall  meet  in  battle  the  sons  of 
those  men  who  under  General  Jackson  sent  death  and 


T)0  HISTORY     OF    TIIK    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

defeat  into  the  ranks  of  those  who  were  regarded  as 
among  the  best  soldiers  of  the  world.  It  will  be  as  of 
old,  Greek  meeting  Greek  ! 

Returning  to  the  narrative,  we  find,  on  consulting  our 
journal,  that  it  was  nearly  noon  Saturday,  the  day  fol 
lowing  our  arrival  at  New  Orleans,  before  we  could  get 
word  from  the  authorities  what  disposition  was  to  be 
made  of  our  regiment.  No  one  seemed  to  know  who  we 
were  or  where  we  came  from,  or  what  to  do  with  us. 

At  length  an  order  came  to  move  up  the  river  to  Car 
rol  Iton,  a  place  about  six  miles  above  New  Orleans,  and 
there  select  a  camp  ground  for  ourselves.  This  was 
done,  and  the  colonel,  quartermaster,  and  adjutant,  pro 
ceeded  to  obey  orders.  The  grounds  were  selected  and 
we  were  on  the  point  of  landing,  when  the  order  that 
had  been  given  was  countermanded,  and  we  were  told  to 
go  up  the  river  two  miles  further  to  the  Beauregard 
parapet,  which  had  been  thrown  up  under  the  direction 
of  General  Beauregard,  as  a  defense  of  New  Orleans. 

This,  too,  was  done,  and  there,  in  mid-afternoon,  we 
disembarked,  all  being  thoroughly  glad  once  more  to  set 
foot  on  what  was  supposed  to  be  solid  ground,  though 
several  of  our  men  failed  to  understand  what  the  trouble 
was,  and  declared  that  the  whole  state  of  Louisiana 
when  they  walked  reeled  like  a  drunken  man,  and  that 
when  they  stepped  the  ground  rose  to  meet  their  feet. 

The  bad  boys  of  Company  I\,  who  were  well  acquainted 
with  "sea,  leg"  experiences,  came  into  prominence 
again  and  explained  to  those  who  were  inexperienced, 
that  Louisiana  was  formed  something  like  the  so-called 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  51 

floating  islands  of  Mexico,  and  that  the  waves  of  the 
Gulf  being  forced  np  under  the  soil,  caused  the  undula- 
tions.  This  explanation,,  however,  carried  no  weight. 
Indeed,  the  boys  of  Company  K  were  no  longer  believed 
even  when  they  told  the  truth. 

AVe  should  be  remiss  if  wre  did  not  speak  a  word  at 
this  point  in  praise  of  the  aged  government  pilot  who 
navigated  our  unseaworthy  craft  from  New  York  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi.  He  had  but  one  eye,  yet  he 
could  see  with  that  many  times  as  far  as  the  most  of  us 
could  with  two.  During  bad  weather  he  never  left  the 
pilot-house,  and  while  we  were  in  the  "norther''  on  the 
Gulf  that  faithful  man  was  for  seventy-live  hours  with 
out  closing  his  eye,  and  he  stood  at  the  wheel  until  his 
feet  were  so  swollen  that  neither  boots  nor  shoes  could 
be  worn.  Dead  or  alive,  he  has  our  thanks  and  this  ex 
pression  of  our  appreciation. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

CAMP   LIFE   IN    CARROLLTON. 

DECEMBER  Twentieth,  about  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  the  boys  began  pitching  their  tents. 
Fences  and  timbers  from  deserted  negro  lints 
were  borrowed  (?)  for  fuel  and  for  tent  floors.  Head 
quarters  were  provided  in  a  deserted  plantation  house, 
surrounded  with  shade  and  fruit  trees. 

The  next  day,  December  twenty-first,  was  also  a 
busy  one,  as  we  were  arranging  everything  for  comfort 
as  far  as  possible,  building  cook-houses  and  setting 
tilings  to  rights.  Few  realized  that  it  was  Sunday  until 
late  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  regiment  was  called  to 
gether  to  listen  to  a  sermon  by  the  chaplain,  the  first 
we  had  heard  since  leaving  Concord.  The  sermon  was 
appropriate  and  well  received,  as  were  all  the  sermons 
of  our  scholarly  and  thought  fill  chaplain. 

Here  at  Carroll  ton  were  flocks  of  singing  birds,  frag 
rance  of  orange  and  lemon  trees,  beautiful  cultivated 
and  wild  flowers,  and  green  grass  plots  instead  of  bare, 
le;iiless  trees  and  snow-drifts;  and  yet  more  than  one  in 
our  regiment  said,  ''Oh,  for  the  quiet  of  a  New  England 
Sabbath  !"  Ct  Hut  for  us,"  as  a  writing  in  our  journal 


NEW    II  AM  PS  II  IKK    VOLUNTEERS.  f)tf 

says,  kk  there  is  to  be  no  Sabbath  until  New  England  is 
readied  again,  and  by  many  of  us  New  England  has  been 
seen  for  the  last  time." 

Here  in  Carroll  ton  began  our  death-roll.  Lieut.  Pres- 
cott  Jones,  Company  E,  was  the  iirst  to  answer  the 
summons.  He  was  a  brave-hearted  and  zealous  soldier, 
greatly  beloved  in  his  company  and  by  all  in  the 
regiment  who  had  made  his  acquaintance.  He  died 
January  eleventh. 

Here,  too,  at  Carrollton  we  began  to  breathe  a 
poisoned  atmosphere,  and  our  food  for  the  most  part 
was  poor  in  quality  and  poorly  cooked,  proving  an  ir 
ritant  and  poison  to  some  of  the  men,  who,  having  keen 
appetites  after  the  sea  voyage,  over-ate,  notwithstand 
ing  the  unfitness  of  the  rations  issued. 

A  Northern  man  in  a  Southern  climate,  among  those 
swamps  where  the  germs  of  fever  and  ague,  of  dysentery, 
and  of  the  whole  brood  of  malarial  ills,  poison  the  air, 
should  not  only  fear  that  he  is  going  to  be  sick,  but 
should  feel  that  he  is  sick  until  acclimated.  Our  men 
did  not  realize  this,  and  our  Northern  surgeons,  who 
knew  nothing,  or  but  little,  of  tropical  and  swamp  dis 
eases,  did  not  warn  us,  or  if  they  did  in  a  general  way, 
we  gave  no  heed  to  their  admonitions.  Hence  our  men 
hourly  became  victims  of  various  forms  of  disease. 

Our  muster-roll,  December  thirty -iirst,  shows  that  one 
man  in  every  seven  of  our  regiment  encamped  at  Car 
rollton  was  on  the  sick  list. 


54  HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 

We  now  return  to  tlie  three  companies,  C,  I),  and  F, 
that  had  been  left  in  New  York,  with  Major  Davis  in 
command. 

On  the  same  day  that  the  regiment  sailed,  these  three 
companies  were  removed  to  the  Franklin  Street  barracks, 
where  the  acconiodations  were  none  too  good,  and  the 
rations  very  unsatisfactory.  Two  weeks  later  these 
companies  were  ordered  to  embark  on  the  ocean  steam- 
shi  p  Miss  is #  i'ppi. 

The  orders  reached  Major  Davis  in  the  early  evening. 
The  companies  were  quickly  in  readiness,  and  the 
lighter,  with  the  men  on  board,  was  alongside  the 
steamer  at  about  eleven  o'clock  at  night.  All  the  gang 
ways,  however,  were  (dosed,  the  winds  were  howling, 
and  the  thermometer  was  at  nearly  zero.  There  stood 
those  shivering,  homeless  vagabonds,  for  such  they 
seemed,  trying  at  that  nearly  midnight  hour  to  get  the 
attention  of  some  officer  on  board  the  Mississippi. 

Our  men  had  been  ordered  there,  but  the  officers  of 
the  ship  knew  nothing  of  any  such  orders,  and  had 
been  notified  that  their  ship  already  had  its  full  com- 
pletement  of  troops.  The  captain  of  the  steamship  was 
merciful,  however,  and  allowed  our  men  to  go  on  board 
out  of  the  biting  cold. 

The  Forty-seventh  Massachusetts  and  the  One  Hun 
dred  Seventy-fifth  New  York  were  already  in  pos 
session,  and  had  availed  themselves  of  the  best 
accommodations  they  could  find,  as  most  certainly  under 
similar  circumstances,  we  should  have  done.  Our  men 
bent  upon  securing  the  next  best,  if  they  could  not  have 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  55 

the  first  choice,  took  possession  of  the  saloon,  but,  as 
this  was  contrary  to  the  rules  of  the  ship,  they  were 
obliged  to  give  up  those  accommodations,  and  each  man 
bunked  as  best  he  could,  and  thus  passed  the  remainder 
of  the  night. 

After  that  experience,  however,  which  was  one  of 
decided  discomfort,  arrangements  were  made  that  proved 
on  the  whole  very  satisfactory. 

The  voyage  of  the  Mississippi  with  the  exception  of 
being  overhauled  by  what  was  thought  at  first  to  be  a 
Confederate  cruiser  but  afterward  proved  to  be  a  Federal 
gunboat,  was  almost  continuously  pleasant,  therefore 
uneventful  and  without  peril.  Those  three  companies 
joined  the  regiment,  January  first,  1803,  amid  hearty 
cheers,  together  with  other  friendly  greetings  and  con 
gratulations  such  as  befic  a  reunion  of  that  kind. 

From  that  date  to  near  the  close  of  January  our  camp 
life  was  a  busy  one,  but  not  particularly  laborious. 
Daily  drills,  frequent  regimental  reviews  and  inspec 
tions,  dress  parades,  guard  mountings,  guard  and  picket 
duties,  and  target  practice  occupied  the  time,  but  we 
have  to  add  that  after  a  week  or  more,  the  days  dragged. 
Our  men  wanted  to  fight,  end  the  war,  and  return  to  their 
homes. 

January  third,  there  was  a  regimental  drill  under  the 
eyes  of  Gen.  T.  W.  Sherman.  He  complimented  the  move 
ments  of  the  regiment  in  flattering  terms.  Subsequently 
similar  compliments  Avere  paid  us  by  Gen.  George  L. 
Andrews,  in  whose  brigade  we  served  for  a  time. 


f)0  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTKKNTH     RKGIMKNT 

January  twenty- third  we  received  what  are  called 
''heavy  marching  orders,'1  and  with  the  other  regiments 
of  the  brigade,  under  Colonel  Tngraham,  marched  a  few 
miles  out  on  the  famous  shell  road  to  Lake  Pontchar- 
train.  This  active  campaign  was,  however,  a  shoit  one 
for  we  returned  to  cam])  in  early  evening,  where  we 
were  made  almost  wild  by  reports  that  the  Mississippi 
river  had  been  opened,  that  Vicksburg  and  Port  Hudson 
had  fallen. 

But  later,  like  many  other  camp  rumors  that  originate 
no  one  knows  how  or  where,  this  one  was  found  to  have1 
not  the  slightest  foundation  ;  still  it  had  given  us  a  bit 
of  cheer,  and  we  continued  to  hope  during  the  next  few 
days  that  there  might  be  a  grain  of  truth  in  what  Ave 
had  heard,  or  that  it  might  be  a  prophecy  of  Avhat  was 
ro  happen. 

Under  date  of  January  tAventy-fifth,  the  journal  of  the 
adjutant  reads  thus:  "Our  men  continue  to  sicken,  and 
are  destitute  of  proper  hospital  conveniences  and  care. 
Our  improvised  hospital  is,  to  be  sure,  a  commodious 
plantation  house,  but  as  yet  the  sick  have  under  them 
only  a  rubber  blanket  and  the  bare  floor,  Avith  an  army 
blanket  for  their  covering.  Each  room  in  the  hospital 
has  from  eight  to  twelve  patients.  Colonel  Pike  and 
the  Avard  master  are  both  down  with  fever.  Lieutenant 
Pjiirnham,  Lieutenant  Wilkins,  Captain  Bosworth  are 
also  very  sick,  and  seventy  or  more  of  our  men  are  in 
the  hospital." 

Frequently  our  three  surgeons  Avere  sick  and  oil'  duty, 
and  our  regimental  hospital  was  left  in  care  of  the  hos- 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLT^TEEKS.  59 

pital  steward.  The  most  seriously  ill  were  sent  to  the 
Marine,  Charity,  and  St.  James  hospitals  in  New  Orleans 
where  they  were  very  well  cared  for. 

It  should  be  born  in  mind  that  sickness,  even  in  the 
best  equipped  and  best  ordered  hospitals  of  a  "con 
quered  rebel  city,1'  like  New  Orleans,  did  not  receive 
the  attention  bestowed  in  the  hospitals  further  north, 
and  on  the  borders  between  the  two  sections. 

Here  in  Louisiana  there  were  no  gifts  of  flowers  and 
delicacies  from  the  women  of  the  city;  there  were  instead 
and  on  every  hand  expressions  of  hate.  There  was  no 
careful  nursing  by  patriotic  and  devout  women  who  were 
in  the  service  of  the  Christian  commission  and  other 
Northern  charity  organizations.  Doubtless  many  a  man 
died  in  these  Southern  hospitals  who  would  have  lived 
had  a  few  encouraging  words  at  a  critical  moment  been 
spoken  in  his  ear,  or  had  a  little  tender  care  been  be 
stowed. 

And,  as  already  hinted,  our  Northern  surgeons  at  the 
outset  did  not  know  how  to  treat  the  forms  of  sickness 
that  prevailed  in  the  South.  We  shall  also  be  pardoned 
for  saying  that  personally  we  received  more  valuable 
hints  in  talks  with  the  "old  colored  mammies,11  on 
matters  of  health  and  hygiene,  than  from  any  and  all 
other  sources. 

It  was  during  those  days  that  our  regiment  and  the 
brigade  to  which  we  had  been  assigned  were  kept  con 
stantly  under  marching  orders  to  answer  an  expected 
call  from  General  Weitzel,  who  was  pressed  at  Berwick 
."Hav  by  a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy.  .But  that 


60  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     KEGIMEXT 

brave  and  skillful  officer  was  able  to  hold  his  ground 
without  reinforcements. 

Several  reasons,  up  to  this  date,  had  been  assigned  why 
our  regiment  bad  not  been  ordered  to  the  front.  AVe 
need  not  specify  what  they  were  but  may  be  allowed  to 
say  that  it  was  no  fault  in  the  makeup  of  the  regiment 
for  both  Generals  Sherman  and  Emory  had  made  to  Gen 
eral  Banks  essentially  the  same  report,  namely,  that 
"  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  had  the  ma 
terial  for  a  better  regiment  than  ever  stepped  on  Louisi 
ana  soil  from  the  North." 

We  think  the  compliment  paid  us  by  Sherman  and 
Emory  was  a  little  extravagant,  for  the  Fifteenth  regi 
ment  so  far  as  we  could  see,  had  essentially  the  same 
material  as  constituted  our  regiment,  and  if  we  had  as 
good  fighting  material  as  was  every  day  seen  to  be  in  the 
Eighth  New  Hampshire,  we  ought  to  have  been  satisfied. 
However,  we  were  proud  of  the  good  opinion  these  su 
perior  officers  had  of  our  regiment. 

January  twenty-eighth,  we  were  ordered  to  move  back 
to  Carrollton,  and  to  encamp  on  the  ground  that  had 
been  occupied  by  the  Fifteenth  regiment  of  our  own 
state,  and  that  regiment  was  ordered  to  take  our  position 
at  the  parapet.  All  that  there  seemed  to  be  to  this  move 
was  an  exchange  of  places.  After  beginning  to  pitch 
our  tents,  the  order  was  countermanded,  and  another 
was  issued  that  we  should  move  towards  the  parapet 
one  mile. 

The  day  following,  the  men  were  busy  putting  in 
order  their  tents,  preparing  kindling-wood,  and  build- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  (M 

ing  cook-houses.        Where    they  borrowed  their   lumber 
was  a  mystery  then  and  is  so  still,  but  they  knew. 

We  always  received  orders,  on  reaching  new  camping 
grounds,  not  to  destroy  or  use  any  private  property. 
But  the  orders,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  though  passing 
through  the  adjutant's  tent,  did  not  often  reach  the  men 
till  all  mischief  had  been  done. 

Occasionally  the  order  would  read,  tc  Only  the  top  rail 
is  to  be  taken  from  the  fences."  Usually  there  were  rive 
rails  in  a  plantation  fence.  After  the  top  rail  had  been 
removed  four  were  left.  The  fourth  was  then  the  top 
rail,  and  could  be  taken  by  the  next  man  without  dis 
obeying  orders.  In  this  way  fences  frequently  lost  their 
to])  rails  until  only  the  bottom  ones  remained,  and  even 
those,  especially  during  the  closing  days  of  an  encamp 
ment,  sometimes  were  taken  and  sometimes  left,  as  cir 
cumstances  and  the  needs  of  the  regiment  seemed  to 
require. 

What  sense  was  there,  anyway,  in  protecting  a  hick 
ory  rail  fence  belonging  to  a  Confederate  general,  when 
the  comfort  and  health  of  our  men  were  imperiled  I  We 
sometimes  longed  for  a  return  of  the  days  of  General 
Butler,  who  decided  that  everything  needed,  even  slaves, 
were  contraband  of  war. 

To  those  who  were  acquainted  with  the  men  of  our 
regiment,  we  hardly  need  say  that  while  the  prelimin 
ary  thefts  to  which  we  have  referred,  those  at  Concord, 
those  on  board  the  steamer,  and  those  at  Tortugas,  were 
never  approved  by  the  officers  of  the  regiment  or  by  the 
majority  of  our  men,  yet  when  we  reached  the  enemy's 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTKKXTII     KKOIMKNT 

country,  our  officers  without  exce})tion  had  no  conscien 
tious  scruples  as  to  foraging,  and  under  cover  of  inter 
national  military  law  the  officers  helped  the  boys 
whenever  they  could,  and  we  scarcely  need  add  were 
willing  at  anytime  to  share  in  their  plunder.  And  still, 
from  a  poor  and  destitute  Southern  family  we  never 
knowingly  allowed  anything  to  be  taken  without  giving 
full  compensation. 

The  clemency  shown  the  Confederates  by  General 
Banks,  we  are  forced  to  say,  gained  nothing  for  the  Tnion 
cause,  and  his  policy  before  the  campaign  ended  was 
largely  modified. 

International  law  declares  that  an  army,  when  in  a 
hostile  country,  may  even  save  its  own  commissary 
stores,  and  live  on  what  it  can  forage.  This  law  seems 
to  have  been  better  understood,  or  at  least  better  recog 
nized  by  our  privates  than  by  some  of  the  officers  who 
commanded  them. 

\Ve  are  not  able  to  say  how  many  classical  scholars 
there  were  in  our  regiment,  but  many  of  the  men,  so  far 
as  foraging  is  concerned,  knew  perfectly  well  how  to  in 
terpret  and  apply  practically  the  saying  of  the  ancient 
Romans,  "  Inter  anna  Iwjvs  xilvnt^  —in  time  of  war  the 
laws  are  silent,  or  as  sometimes  translated,  take  a  rest. 

It  appeared,  however,  during  our  encampment  at 
Carrollton  that  foraging  was  not  the  only  accomplish 
ment  of  the  men  of  the  Sixteenth.  Indeed  its  members 
could  turn  their  hand  to  almost  anything  iu  the  mechan 
ical  arts.  They  could  build  railways,  repair  broken 
cars,  take  in  pieces  and  put  together  locomotives  and 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEKKS.  65 

then  if  required  could  man  the  train  with  a  full  comple 
ment  of  engineers,  conductors  and  brakemen. 

If  an  encampment  continued  in  one  place  for  several 
days,  there  were  those  who  built  ovens  and  baked  fresh 
bread.  Others  set  up  barber  shops,  and  repaired 
watches.  In  fact,  as  already  said,  we  could  do  anything 
and  everything  at  the  outset  except  to  fight  according  to 
the  rules  of  war.  All  this  civil  business  could  be  be- 
'ffiin  and  carried  on  within  five  minutes  after  our  tents 

o 

were  pitched.  We  had  in  our  regiment  a  dentist,  a 
gunsmith,  and  a  cobbler,  who  had  with  them  their  kits 
of  tools  and  were  prepared  on  short  notice  to  engage  in 
their  several  callings. 

One  easily  can  believe  if  the  men  of  our  own  and 
other  ]STew  England  regiments  as  well,  were  thrown  into 
the  enemy's  territory  and  were  told  to  shift  for  them 
selves  that  in  fewer  than  ten  days  they  would  establish 
an  independent  commonwealth.  All  quartermasters, 
commissaries,  and  sutlers  could  be  dismissed  and  a 
thoroughly  equipped  community  speedily  would  be 
organized. 

Better  than  this  :  give  the  boys  an  easy  chance  and  in 
less  than  forty-eight  hours  they  would  have  slaughter 
houses,  provision  and  grocery  stores  in  full  operation, 
and  fresh  beef,  veal,  pork,  poultry,  eggs  and  milk  for  sale, 
while  the  men  assigned  for  "  light  duty,"  owing  to  partial 
disability,  would  be  making  butter  and  cheese. 

An  instance  that  is  almost  pathetic  in  some  of  its  de 
tails  is  illustrative  of  what  we  are  saying.  The  tirst 
private  to  die  at  Carrollton  was  a  member  of  Comrjany 


(>()  IIISTOIIY    (>F    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

I).  There  was  no  coffin,  or  box  even,  in  which  to  bury 
him.  Xor  was  there  any  lumber  except  unplaned  fence 
boards.  His  comrades  could  not  endure  the  thought  of 
an  interment  without  a  coffin.  Two  men  of  his  company, 
who  were  carpenters,  borrowed  a  saw  and  hammer  of  a 
negro,  which  lie  of  course  had  stolen,  took  in  pieces  a 
black  walnut  wardrobe  they  had  found  in  one  of  the 
deserted  houses  nearby  and  made  a  coffin  that  would 
have  done  no  disci-edit  to  any  undertaker's  warehouse 
anywhere  in  the  states,  and  in  this  the  dead  private 
was  decently  buried. 

February  second  was  the  date  of  our  first  division 
drill  under  General  Emory,  and  certainly  our  regiment 
in  both  appearance  and  movement  was  nor  inferior  to 
any  other  in  the  division.  Ours  at  that  time  was  ranked 
among  the  fighting  regiments  and  we  were  in  readiness 
for  any  move  that  might  be  ordered. 

While  still  encamped  at  Carroll  ton  our  assistant  sur 
geon,  Sylvester  Campbell,  was  the  second  of  our  com 
missioned  officers  to  die.  He  was  a  Christian  gentleman 
in  the  truest  sense,  and  a  skilled  physician.  His  death 
was  a  great  shock  to  those  of  us  who  knew  him  best. 

From  that  date  on,  deaths  in  our  regiment  were  of 
such  frequent  occurrence  that  we  cannot  take  time 
to  enumerate  them  separately  as  they  occurred,  but  men 
tion  will  be  made  of  them  in  the  closing  pages  of  our 
history.  \Ve  may  make,  an  exception,  however,  in  the 
case  of  Lieut.  Ueorge  T.  \Vilds,  of  Company  K,  who  died 
April  twentieth.  A  truer  patriot,  a  more  faithful  friend, 
and  a  more  devout  Christian  could  not  be  found  in  our 


THINKING   OF    HOME. 


NKW    II  AM  PS  II  IKK    VOLUNTEERS.  69 

or  any  other  regiment.  His  death  cast  a  gloom  over  his 
entire  company  and  over  all  the  officers  of  the  regiment. 

As  already  suggested,  this  sort  of  campaigning  in 
which  we  were  engaged  at  Carroll  ton  was  not  only  un 
satisfactory,  but  to  an  extent  demoralizing.  Debilitated 
by  the  climate,  and  half  sick  from  poor  food  and  expos 
ure,  some  of  our  men  became  despondent. 

Others,  tired  of  the  merely  mechanical  round  of 
duties,  began  to  think  too  much.  They  saw  imaginary 
perils,  greater,  perhaps,  than  ever  would  come  to  them 
on  the  tield  of  battle. 

Home  and  friends  became  idealized,  and  in  conse 
quence  homesickness  was  on  the  increase.  Unless  soon 
called  into  active  service,  the  danger  was  that  the  cour 
age  of  our  men  would  be  less  than  when  they  left  home, 
and  less  than  that  of  those  who  had  nothing  compara 
tively  at  stake,  as  we  had. 

And  it  were  better,  too,  if  our  men  had  enlisted  for 
the  wTar,  for  there  were  those,  only  a  few,  who  already 
were  counting  the  months  and  weeks  that  remained  to 
complete  the  time  of  their  enlistment. 

All  the  more  were  they  thinking  these  unpatriotic  and 
nnsoldierly  thoughts  because  nothing  aggressive  was 
doing.  The  expressions  were  freely  indulged,  that  if 
we  were  to  move  against  the  enemy  at  all,  it  should  be 
before  the  heat  became  more  oppressive,  and  before 
death  made  any  further  inroads  upon  our  ranks. 

Such  were  the  closing  days  of  our  encampment  in  this 
malarial  region,  which,  beginning  in  December,  ex- 


TO  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     RKGIMKXT 

tended  through  the  wet  and  disagreeable  months  of 
January  and  February. 

The  accompanying-  sketch  will  aid  the  reader  in 
getting  a  clearer  idea  of  this  encampment. 

There  were  occasional  changes  in  the  positions  of  the 
regiments,  and  at  one  time  or  another  the  Thirty-first 
Massachusetts,  the  Fifty-third  Massachusetts  and  the 
One  Hundred  Seventy-fifth  New7  York  were  encamped 
near  us. 

As  will  be  seen,  we  were  surrounded  by  water, 
swamps,  and  low  land.  This  low  and  wet  plain  was 
ditched  in  every  direction,  and  the  surface  of  the  Missis 
sippi  was  from  ten  to  fourteen  feet  above  the  ground  of 
our  encampment.  There  was  a  liability  during  our  stay 
there  of  a  break  in  the  levees  which  would  have  deluged 
the  fiats  and  have  made  of  them  boating  ponds  and 
lakes  rather  than  parade  grounds.  Contrabands  were 
kept  constantly  busy  with  their  handbarrows  fighting 
this  dangerous  enemy. 


LAKE  PONCHERTRAIJN 
( 


NEGRO    ENC  T 


MISSISSIPPI   RIVER 


CHAPTER   V. 

FIRST  ADVANCE   ON   PORT   HUDSON. 

OUR  regiment  had  been  in  Louisiana  since  the  last 
of  December,  1862  ;  the  month  of  March,  1868,  was 
upon  us  and  we  had  not  yet  seen  an  armed  Confed 
erate  soldier,  nor  were  we  equipped  to  meet  the  enemy 
had  he  appeared.     We  were  still  carrying  the  old  mus 
kets   that  were  brought  with   us   from   Concord,   caliber 
sixty-nine. 

The  adjutant,  who,  in  addition  to  other  duties,  re 
cently  had  been  made,  by  a  general  order,  ordnance- 
officer  of  the  regiment,  was  brought  into  more  than  one 
controversy  with  superior  staif  officers  on  the  question 
whether  we  wrere  to  be  sent  to  the  front  with  those  out-of- 
date  and  cumbersome  arms.  The  adjutant  voicing  the 
feelings  of  our  officers  and  men,  protested  and  appealed 
in  vain  to  the  ordnance  department,  and  at  last  broke 
through  all  red  tape  and  made  a  personal  visit  to 
General  Emory,  who,  quite  to  the  adjutant's  surprise, 
received  him  graciously. 

This  appeal  apparently  accomplished  its  purpose,  and 
our  regiment  a  few  days  later  was  provided  with  very 
good  muskets,  some  of  them  having  a  caliber  of  fifty- 
seven,  others  liftv-eight. 


74  HISTORY   OF  THI:  SIXTEENTH   KECIIMKNT 

On  the  morning  of  March  fifth,  we  were  under  orders 
to  move  quickly,  but  as  usual  were  kept  waiting  all  day 
and  until  eleven  o'clock  at  night  before  the  order  to  fall 
into  line  reached  us. 

The  remainder  of  the  night  was  passed  in  moving  our 
selves  and  what  stores  we  had  from  our  encampment  to 
the  transport  Ceneral  Banks. 

Before  this  work  was  completed  the  rain  was  pouring 
in  torrents.  Ammunition,  camp  eqnippage,  forage,  and 
lumber  were  hurried,  almost  thrown,  on  board  in  dire 
and  sickening  confusion  amid  the  thunder  and  light 
ning.  There  were  further  delays,  and  not  until  past 
ten  o'clock  the  next  day  did  the  steamer  head  up  the 
river,  to  what  place  no  one  on  board  except  the  officers 
of  the  boat  knew. 

Twelve  hours,  later,  the  boat,  owing  to  a  dense  fog, 
tied  up  for  the  night,  and  our  regiment  detailed  pickets 
to  patrol  and  guard  the  shore  against  a  possible  attack. 
The  fog  lifted  in  the  early  morning,  March  seventh.  Our 
pickets  shortly  after  were  called  in,  and  we  had  for  the 
larger  part  a  comfortable  and  pleasant  day  on  the 
Mississippi. 

Our  transport  reached  Baton  llouge  at  dark,  and  we 
received  orders  to  be  in  readiness  to  disembark  at  a 
moment's  notice.  The  order  that  next  reached  us  was 
not  to  disembark  at  that  point,  but  a  mile  or  more  down 
the  river.  The  transport  dropped  down  to  the  place 
designated,  where  we  disembarked  and  bivouacked. 

The  one  who  gave  this  order  either  could  not  have 
known  where  he  was  sending  us  or  else  he  must  have 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  7f) 

intended  harm,  for  it  was  a  villainous  spot,  a  swamp, 
indeed,  with  so  much  underbrush,  rotten  wood,  and 
decayed  vegetable  matter,  that  early  in  the  day  the  boys 
very  appropriately  named  the  place  "Camp  Dunghill." 
It  was  a  sort  of  outpost,  beyond  any  lines  previously 
occupied  by  onr  forces,  and  was  supposed  to  be  in  close 
proximity  to  the  enemy's  pickets. 

The  first  night  there  we  slept  without  tents,  under  an 
open  sky,  on  soft  beds  of  mud  and  swamp  grass,  with 
only  our  blankets  for  protection,  and  mosquitoes,  wood 
ticks,  lizards,  and  snakes  for  companions. 

On  the  next  morning,  the  ninth,  about  daylight  we 
received  orders  to  provide  ourselves  with  three  days' 
rations,  which,  however,  was  no  very  easy  thing  to  do, 
and  a  hundred  rounds  of  ammunition.  Forty  rounds 
were  placed  in  the  cartridge  boxes,  which  was  their  full 
rapacity,  and  the  rest  was  distributed  in  haversacks, 
pockets,  and  knapsacks.  This  seemed  to  ns  then,  and 
seems  to  ns  still,  an  unnecessary  and  a  merciless  order  ; 
why  load  our  men  down  with  this  weight  of  ammunition 
when  there  were  plenty  of  mules  in  the  department  I 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  also  that  each  soldier,  in 
addition  to  rations  and  ammunition,  had  his  canteen  of 
water,  his  plate,  dipper,  knife,  fork,  and  spoon,  his 
towel,  soap,  woolen  and  rubber  blankets,  overcoat,  gun, 
and  other  accoutrements  to  carry. 

At  the  hour  designated  we  were  in  readiness  to  move, 
but  as  before  there  were  vexatious  delays.  We  waited 
all  day  for  more  specific  orders,  and  in  the  evening 
received  word  that  probably  we  should  not  march  until 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    H 

the  next  morning.  The  morning  dawned  amid  a  heavy 
rain,  showers  continuing  all  the  day,  and  still,  though 
unprotected,  we  were  kept  waiting.  AVe  presume  that 
no  soldier  will  dispute  the  statement  that  delays  like 
these  amid  many  discomfortures,  wear  men  out  faster 
than  vigorous  movements,  even  into  the  heart  of  the 
enemy's  country. 

The  night  of  the  tenth  was  passed  like  the  night  before. 
Another  day  came  and  went  as  had  the  others,  under 
orders  to  march,  but  still  no  marching  and  no  suitable 
protection  against  our  uncomfortable  exposures. 

The  morning  of  the  twelfth  found  us  still  on  the  ground 
of  our  miserable  encampment  in  readiness  to  march,  and 
still  we  were  kept  until  five  o'clock  of  the  afternoon  of 
the  next  day  before  any  definite  order  to  move  reached 
us.  It  then  came  in  this  form, — "You  will  march  in 
ten  minutes.''  We  immediately  formed  in  line,  but 
waited  until  dark  before  any  move  was  made. 

Is  it  surprising,  after  these  repeated  experiences,  that 
our  men  began  to  have  their  confidence  shaken  in  the 
executive  ability  of  our  superior  officers,  or  in  the 
thorough  organization  of  our  army  corps?  Nothing 
ever  seemed  to  be  done  at  the  time  designated.  And 
thus  early  in  our  experience  we  reached  the  unmilitary 
conclusion  that  an  order  to  move  to-day  meant  to-morrow 
01  the  clay  after. 

Much  to  oui'  relief,  and  after  the  stars  were  out,  on  the 
evening  of  the  thirteenth,  we  found  ourselves  in  motion 
for  xoiiicirln'rc,  and  that  -where  appeared  to  be  a  matter 
of  supreme  indifference. 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    YOLTNTEKRS.  77 

The  march  was  first  through  Baton  Rouge  and  then  on 
for  six  miles  from  that  city  towards  Port  Hudson,  where 
we  pitched  our  shelter  tents,  turning  in  about  midnight. 

During  this  advance  the  following  was  the  order  of 
alignment:  General  ({rover's  division,  consisting  of  live 
brigades,  took  the  lead  ;  General  Emory,  having  three 
brigades,  followed;  and  General  Auger  with  four 
brigades  brought  up  the  rear,  affording  support  and  pro 
tection  for  several  batteries  and  for  ammunition,  forage 
and  subsistence  wagons,  ambulances,  and  other  appen 
dages  that  commonly  follow  an  army. 

The  Sixteenth  regiment  was  brigaded  with  the  One 
Hundred  Tenth  New  York,  the  One  Hundred  Sixty- 
second  New  York  and  Fourth  Massachusetts,  Colonel 
In  graham  of  the  Thirty-eighth  Massachusetts  command 
ing  the  brigade. 

The  division  to  which  we  were  assigned,  consisting  of 
twelve  regiments,  was  under  the  command  of  General 
Emory. 

A  little  past  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  March 
fourteenth, our  division  was  ordered  into  line, and  there  we 
stood  or  sat  or  laid  down  on  the  ground,  being  permitted 
for  comfort  to  change  our  position,  until  seven  o'clock, 
when  the  familiar  orders,  "Attention,  battalion  ! 
Shoulder  arms  !  By  the  right  of  companies  into 
column,  forward  march  !  "  were  given  and  obeyed. 

At  eight  o'clock,  we  were  halted  for  breakfast.  The 
rations  issued  consisted  of  half-cooked  and  not  half- 
freshened  salt  beef,  hardtack,  and  coffee.  Rations  of 
such  issue  sometimes  led  our  men  to  appear  before  the 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

quartermasters  tent  in  the  guise  of  serenaders.  The 
quartermaster  must  not  be  held  responsible  personally 
for  the  poor  rations  issued  ;  lie  was  a  victim  of  circum 
stances.  This  was  the  principal  song  indulged  in  on 
such  occasions  : 

"  Old  horse,  old  horse,  how  came  you  here  ? 
You  plowed  this  earth  for  many  a  year  ; 
You've  lived  alone  for  mail's  abuse, 
Now  salted  dowrn  for  soldier's  use." 

We  ought  to  say,  however,  that  some  of  us.  on  the 
morning  in  question,  had  for  breakfast  fresh  beef, 
chickens  and  duck  which  our  skillful  pickets,  who 
were  well  versed  in  the  principles  of  international 
martial  law,  had  captured  the  night  before  and  brought 
into  camp. 

Between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  General  Hanks  and  his 
staff,  on  their  way  to  the  front,  passed  us,  receiving- 
cheer  upon  cheer  given  with  such  enthusiasm  that  the 
general  must  have  been  thoroughly  gratified.  We  were 
at  that  hour  about  twelve  miles  from  Port  Hudson. 

The  line  of  march  was  continued  over  a  dusty  road 
and  under  a  hot  sun,  with  a  halt  of  ten  minutes  every 
hour  until  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  at  which  time 
we  were  within,  perhaps,  four  miles  of  Port  Hudson. 
Here  we  were  ordered  to  encamp  under  our  shelter  tents 
for  the  remainder  of  the  day. 

Our  men,  as  usual,  had  an  eye  to  business  and  comfort. 
There  were  sheep  and  young  cattle  in  the  fields  near  by, 
and  there  were  butchers  and  meat  dealers  in  our  regi 
ment.  There  were  men,  too,  who  could  build  fires  and 
cook  meat,  and  all  our  men  were  by  this  time,  as  already 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLI'XTKKRS.  81 

suggested,  lawyers  enough  to  know  what  ought  to  be 
done  when,  in  an  enemy's  country.  The  only  barrier  in 
the  way  of  this  business  at  that,  time  was  an  explicit 
order  not  to  forage  and  riot  to  take  any  live  stock.  The 
adjutant's  writing  materials  had  been  misplaced  by  the 
sergeant-major  or  some  one  else,  and,  in  consequence, 
valuable  time  was  lost  before  copies  of  the  order  could 
be  issued  to  the  several  companies.  Lest  a  false  im 
pression  should  be  left  by  the  foregoing  remark,  we  may 
be  allowed  to  say  that  no  regiment  had  a  more  efficient 
sergeant-major  than  the  one  whose  name  appears  on  our 
roster. 

The  officers,  meanwhile,  were  viewing  with  conflicting 
and  apparently  distracting  emotions  the  vandalism  going 
on.  At  length  the  orders  were  ready  and  issued.  All 
foraging  ceased  immediately,  but,  as  if  Providence  had 
taken  a  hand  in  favoring  us,  there  was  a  store  of  meat 
at  our  disposal  sufficient  to  last  the  regiment  a  half 
week  at  least,  nor  was  there  anything  left  in  sight  on 
which  to  forage. 

Towards  night  of  this  same  day,  April  fourteenth, 
word  was  passed  to  our  headquarters  that  ten  thousand 
of  the  enemy  were  moving  out  of  Port  Hudson  to  make 
an  attack  on  our  lines.  Let  them  come  !  was  the  feeling 
of  most  of  our  men  though  we  did  not,  perhaps,  realize 
fully  what  such  a  movement  might  mean  for  us.  Still, 
we  had  become  so  thoroughly  tired  of  the  humdrum  of  a 
soldier's  life  in  camp,  such  as  Ave  had  been  leading,  that 
Ave  were  reckless  enough  to  think  that  anything  for 
a  change  would  be  for  the  better. 


HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     RKOIMKNT 

Soon  after  dark  we  were  ordered  to  strike  tents  and  be 
in  line  in  live  minutes.  This  was  done.  A  few  minutes 
later  a  counter  order  came  to  break  ranks,  but  to  be 
ready  to  re-form  again  on  short  notice.  What  did  all  this 
hubbub  mean?  Nobody  seemed  able  to  say.  Perhaps 
it  was  a  part  of  our  discipline.  Perhaps,  too,  the  trouble 
with  us  was  that  we  wanted  to  know  all  the  inside  plans 
of  the  campaign,  nor  could  we  understand  why  General 
Hanks,  did  not  take  each  one  of  us  into  his  confidence. 

After  the  last  order  reached  us  we  waited  a  little  time 
to  ascertain  what  might  come  next.  But  as  no  new  move 
seemed  contemplated  for  the  immediate  present,  we  pro 
ceeded  to  make  ourselves  as  comfortable  for  the  night  as 
the  circumstances  would  allow. 

During  the  afternoon  and  evening  there  had  been  con 
siderable  irregular  firing  by  Admiral  Farragut's  fleet  on 
Port  Hudson,  which,  however,  was  not  sufficiently  dis 
turbing  to  alarm  or  keep  us  awake-  But  at  ten  o'clock 
in  the  evening  began  as  tremendous  and  magnificent  a 
cannonade  as  ever  was  heard  by  mortals.  Hundreds  of 
guns  were  flashing  their  lightning  into  the  darkness  ; 
columbiads,  howitzers,  rifled  pieces  of  all  calibres,  were 
belching  forth  their  thunders  from  both  fleet  and  fort  ; 
mortars  were  filling  the  air  with  their  shells,  whose 
graceful  curves  could  be  traced  till  the  moment  of  ex 
plosion  by  the  trails  of  fire  that  followed  them.  It  was 
one  of  those  awe-inspiring  exhibitions  of  barbaric  and 
titanic  forces  that  is  never  forgotten. 

At  this  juncture,  we  were  again  ordered  into  line  of 
battle.  The  hours  that  followed  were  of  intensest  excite- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  85 

ment  and  interest.  Expecting  momentarily  an  attack, 
we  waited  and  watched  the  progress  of  the  light  between 
the  Avarships  and  the  Confederate  forces. 

Not  long  after  one  o'clock  the  next  morning,  April 
fifteenth,  a  light  of  considerable  brightness  was  seen  in 
the  direction  of  Port  Hudson.  Our  first  thought  was 
that  the  inflammable  buildings  of  that  fortress  had  been 
fired  by  the  shells  of  our  fleet;  but  as  early  as  three 
o'clock  the  light  was  seen  to  be  moving  down  the  river 
towards  the  position  we  then  held.  The  cannonade  still 
continued,  though  less  heavy  than  before,  and  was  ap 
proaching  nearer  and  nearer;  a  fierce  fight,  as  it  seemed, 
was  going  on;  our  fleet  was  retiring  and  the  enemy  was 
following  it  down  and  fighting  it.  We  were  sure  of  all 
this.  \Ve  could  hear  the  discharge  of  musketry  and 
other  small  arms;  shells  were  in  frequent  explosion,  and 
there  would  be,  as  it  seemed,  an  occasional  broadside. 
The  brilliancy  of  the  light  was  constantly  on  the  increase, 
and  the  lighting,  apparently,  was  not  much  farther  than 
a  mile  or  two  from  the  extreme  left  of  our  line,  though 
hidden  by  a  belt  of  trees  that  skirted  the  river. 

The  excitement  and  anxiety  among  our  troops,  on 
the  increase  from  the  start,  at  length,  almost  reached 
fever  heat.  The  next  move  of  the  Confederates,  and 
bei'ore  morning,  perhaps,  would  be  in  our  real',  and  our 
retreat  easily  and  certainly  would  be  cut  off.  In  this 
excited  state  we  stood  in  line  until  a  little  past  live 
o'clock  in  the  morning. 

At  that  hour,  while  every  eye  was  watching  the  sup 
posed  light,  there  was  first  a  deep  lurid  outburst  of  light. 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

then  a  glare  and  brilliancy  some  tin*  '>•  like  a  distant  flash 
of  lightning,  then  there  was  the  iving  into  the  air  of 
dark  masses  of  planking  and  tim1  rs,  followed  by  a  dis 
mal,  heavy  boom  that  made  tl  earth  tremble.  The 
atmosphere  seemed  to  strike  lisas  with  a  blow  that  quite 
stopped  the  breath.  Then  there  was  silence,  and  after 
that  the  gray  of  early  morning  filled  a  calm  and  beau 
tiful  sky.  What  did  it  all  mean?  A  part  of  the  tleet 
certainly  must  have  met  disaster? 

Withdrawing  our  eyes  from  what  had  been  riveting 
them  for  hours,  we  began  looking  into  one  another's 
faces.  There  were  sick  faces  ;  for  some  of  our  boys  had 
been  eating,  the  evening  before,  too  freely  of  fresh  killed 
mutton  that  had  been  less  than  half  cooked  and  was  eaten 
without  pepper  or  salt;  there  were  tired  faces,  and  faces 
with  bloodshot  eyes,  but  they  were  resolute  faces,  more 
ready  that  morning  to  meet  the  enemy  which  we  expected 
to  appear  any  moment,  or  more  ready  to  move  against  the 
enemy's  strong  citadel  at  Port  Hudson,  if  need  be,  than 
to  go  back  to  the  filthy  camp  at  Baton  Rouge  or  to 
"Camp  Death  "  at.  Carrollton.  though  it  is  possible  we 
should  have  felt  different  if  we  had  had  a  larger  experi 
ence  in  actual  service. 

Of  an  attack,  however,  we  felt  certain  whether  in  the 
front  by  fresh  troops  from  Port  Hudson,  or  in  the  rear 
by  the  troops  that  we  supposed  had  passed  down  the 
river  dining  the  night,  we  could  not  tell. 

As  late  as  nine  o'clock  that  morning,  word  was  passed 
quietly  along  the  line  that  an  attack  was  imminent  any 
moment.  Had  the  attack  come  from  the  south,  as 


H\2^*^*vi^^3?P 


! 

MI  "*    "^"""^  "  ^  t        N  -.  -»\  '•f  r~  '?i^r    -^S-  Tt/^f 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  80 

seemed  most  likely,  our  regiment  would  have  had  all  the 
fighting  desired,  for  we  were  in  the  most  exposed  position 
of  any  of  our  troops  as  will  be  seen  by  the  accompanying 
diagram,  which  also  indicates  the  position  of  regiments 
nearest  us. 

Not  far  from  ten  o'clock,  our  brigade  was  called  to 
listen  to  the  reading  of  an  order  by  Colonel  Ingrahnm, 
which  was  to  the  effect  that  tk  the  object  of  the  expedi 
tion  had  been  accomplished,"  a  phrase  that  afterwards 
became  a  byword  among  the  troops  whenever  a  move 
ment  of  any  considerable  magnitude  was  made  that  re 
sulted  in  nothing,  or  next  to  nothing — like  the  famous 
Wk  march  up  the  hill  and  down  again." 

The  u  object  of  the  expedition"  subsequently  was 
more  fully  explained  as  being  a  demonstration  on  our 
part  against  Port  Hudson  to  aid  the  fleet  in  passing  ils 
batteries. 

The  announcement  of  Colonel  Ingraham  was  in  every 
Avay  reassuring  to  our  troops,  but  we  could  not  see  (hat 
the  land  forces  had  contributed  in  any  considerable 
measure,  or  rather,  in  any  measure  at  all,  to  what  had 
been  accomplished.  We  had  not  fired  a  shot  that  reached 
the  fort,  nor  had  we  seen  an  enemy  except  a  few  scouts 
in  the  distance. 

For  the  fleet,  however,  it  was  an  expensive  victory. 
Only  two  of  Farragufs  gunboats,  the  Jhirtford  and 
Albatross,  had  run  past  the  batteries  of  Port  Hudson, 
while  one  hundred  and  thirteen  of  his  men  had  been 
killed  or  wounded,  four  boats  of  the  fleet  had  been  dis 
abled,  and  the  war-ship  Mississippi,  which  had  run 


90  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

aground,  Avas  set  on  fire,  and  after  having  been  aban 
doned  floated  down  the  river,  discharging  meanwhile 
her  loaded  cannon  and  smaller  ordnance  as  the  flames 
touched  them  ;  when  the  flames  reached  the  magazine 
the  final  explosion,  which  had  almost  appalled  us, 
followed,  causing  the  excitement  of  the  early  morning 
hours. 

Next  came  the  order  for  our  troops  to  retreat.  The 
reason  for  this  order  was  not  generally  understood,  and, 
in  consequence,  the  teamsters  of  the  quartermaster's 
department,  especially  those  xvho  were  some  distance 
from  the  front,  became  panicky. 

Two  of  the  infantry  brigades  and  a  part  of  the  artillery 
that  had  been  well  in  the  rear  were  also  a  good  deal 
disturbed,  as  word  reached  them  that  there  had  been  fight 
ing  all  through  the  night,  that  our  troops  were  defeated 
and  were  in  full  retreat. 

The  hubbub  of  mule  teams  in  consequence  of  such 
announcements,  the  swearing  even  of  officers  who  were  not 
accustomed  to  swear  and  the  anxiety  and  confusion 
of  the  men  in  the  ranks,  cannot  easily  be  described. 

\Ve  then  could  see  with  how  little  difficulty  a  panic 
might  be  started  that  would  render  troops  utterly  uncon 
trollable.  Had  the  enemy  really  made  an  attack  upon 
us  that  morning,  likely  enough  there  \vould  have  been 
another  famous  Bull  Hun  disaster.  Knowing  that  there 
had  been  no  fighting,  for  we  were  at  the  front,  the  Six 
teenth  did  not  run,  nor  were  we  in  any  haste. 

At  midday  we  halted  for  General  Banks  and  staff  to 
pass.  We  were  tired,  faint,  hungry,  and  thirsty.  Our 


:  ;  PORT  HUDSON 


MASS. 


™  N.H. 


NV» 


™NY; 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOU'NTKERS.  91 

kind-hearted  colonel  had  been  taken  sick  and  was  left  by 
the  roadside  until  an  ambulance  was  secured  for  him. 
Our  horses  were  staggering  with  fatigue  and  want  of 
food,  but  we  were  quickly  in  line  of  march  again,  and  it 
was  sunset  before  we  halted  and  pitched  our  tents  in  a 
cane  field  for  the  night. 

This  hardly  had  been  done  before  a  terrific  tropical 
and  typical  Southern  thunder  storm  fell  upon  us.  Our 
cooking  fires,  which  had  just  been  lighted,  were  quickly 
extinguished.  Our  shelter  tents  were  torn  from  their 
fastenings  and  trailed  in  the  mud,  and  the  weary,  hungry 
troops  were  left  without  protection  from  the  torrents  of 
rain  falling  upon  them  ;  the  men  stood  it  bravely,  though 
wondering  what  would  come  next. 

At  length  the  shower  ceased,  almost  as  quickly  as  it 
had  come  upon  us;  tires  made  out  of  fence  rails,  were 
again  built  ;  poor  rations  were  distributed  and  ditch 
water  was  our  beverage. 

Later,  the  rain  commenced  anew,  and  when  we  laid 
down,  some  time  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  at  night, 
we  had  from  two  to  four  inches  of  water  under  us,  and, 
though  it  may  appear  strange  to  others  but  not  to 
soldiers,  we  slept  the  sleep  of  the  righteous  and  we  slept 
it  soundly  till  break  of  day. 

March  sixteenth  was  a  day  of  rest  so  far  as  active 
campaigning  was  concerned;  but  before  the  morning 
hours  were  passed  our  boys  had  dried  their  clothing, 
found  a  spring  of  pure  water,  made  several  other  obser 
vations,  and  began  the  familiar  game  of  confiscation. 

The  most  important  find  during  the  day  will  have  to  be 


!)2  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

accredited  to  our  neighbors,  the  pickets  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  Tenth  New  York,  who  were  posted  just  beyond  our 
left  flank. 

On  the  other  side  of  this  picket  line,  not  far  away  but 
behind  a  belt  of  trees,  were  two  storehouses  well. filled 
with  sugar  and  molasses.  The  guards  had  been  posted  to 
prevent  raids  in  that  direction,  but  under  pretext  of 
going  to  the  spring  for  water  the  boys  in  twos  appeared 
before  the  guard  with  flasks  and  haversacks  ;  a  twinkle  in 
the  eye  and  a  smile  answered  for  pass  words.  The 
situation  was  taken  in  and  the  guard  smiled  back,  and 
received  their  pay  a  little  later  in  sugar  and  molasses. 
Before  three  o'clock  nearly  every  man  in  the  Sixteenth 
and  in  the  One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York  had  been 
well  supplied  with  the  products  of  those  storehouses. 

Later  in  the  afternoon  the  thieving  was  discovered  and 
a  detachment  was  ordered  out  to  arrest  any  soldiers  who 
were  found  in  the  sugar  house  or  coming  from  it  with 
sugar  or  molasses  on  their  person.  Several  belated  men 
were  arrested  and  marched  into  camp.  But  as  they 
passed  through  the  files  of  spectators,  most  of  them  by 
dexterous  movements  backed  into  openings  made  for 
them  and  in  turn  became  innocent  lookers  on,  so  that  by 
the  time  the  guard-house  was  readied  nearly  all  the 
prisoners  had  disappeared.  The  officers  were  too  busy 
at  that  time  to  inquire  into  this  unsoldierlike  behavior 
of  both  the  guards  and  men. 

It  may  be  remarked  in  passing  that  for  our  afternoon 
dinner  we  had  that  day  fresh  mutton,  stewed  chicken, 
and  ha  I'd  tack  served  in  about  fourteen  different  styles. 


(S) 


m  I'RJr 

'-:A>^  •'•        '  WW^''i   A 


^  ^M>- 

€'^k 


?  TO      fiU-  P   (" 

yl'fe  i 

i )  1 1  fi  *     '  ',2  ^  7, 

'^r'MM^ 

'     ^      (I  XiN5"  J 


r 

& ' 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  95 

We  also  had  sweet  potatoes  taken  from  a  field  near  by, 
and  for  our  tea  and  coffee  we  had  fresh  milk  from  cows 
that  were  grazing  in  the  field.  This  need  occasion  no 
surprise,  for  not  a  few  of  our  farmer  boys  understood  the 
fine  art  of  coaxing  a  strange  cow  to  stand  while  the  last 
drop  of  milk  is  taken  from  her.  There  is  scarcely  need  of 
saying  that  we  had  sugar  in  quantity  for  our  tea  and 
coffee,  and  sugar  or  molasses,  as  we  choose,  for  our 
hardtack. 

Having  feasted,  we  prepared  for  the  night,  repitching 
our  soiled  shelter  tents  and  making  our  beds  out  of  fence 
rails,  corn  husks,  and  oat  straw.  About  nine  o'clock  we 
turned  in  having  clear  consciences  and  with  a  prospect 
of  sound  and  uninterrupted  sleep  for  the  night. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem  men  in  the  army  as  well  as 
elsewhere  can  sin  and  then  sleep  as  if  nothing  had 
happened. 

But  the  expectations  of  the  soldier  as  to  having  a 
sound  night's  sleep  are  not  always  realized.  At  two 
o'clock  the  next  morning  the  adjutant  was  roused  from 
sleep  and  ordered  to  detail  a  lieutenant  to  act  as  quarter 
master.  At  a  little  after  three  o'clock  he  was  again 
called  to  send  the  regiment  to  the  quartermaster  for 
rations,  and  shortly  before  five  o'clock  he  received  orders 
to  have  the  regiment  strike  tents  without  a  moment's 
delay,  as  another  advance  toward  Port  Hudson  was  in 
prospect. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A  MUD  MARCH  UNPARALLELED  DURING  THE  WAR. 

E  heading  of   this  chapter  certainly  is  a  bold  one, 
1       but  it  is   written   without   hesitation,    and   in   full 
knowledge  of  the  celebrated  nind  inarch  of  General 
Burnside,  and  of  others  scarcely  less  difficult,  that  were 
made  in  the   Peninsular  campaign   and  elsewhere  during 
the  war. 

It  was  while  on  one  of  the  Peninsular  nind  inarches 
that  a  soldier  composed  the  following  revised  version  of 
a  familiar  prayer,  the  fitness  or  point  of  which  our  men, 
after  making  the  march  Ave  are  now  to  describe,  had  no 
difficulty  in  appreciating: 

"  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 

In  mud  that's  many  fathoms  deep  ; 
If  I'm  not  here  when  yon  awake, 
Please  hunt  me  up  with  an  oyster  rake." 

The  morning  of  March  sixteenth  was  delightfully 
ushered  in  with  the  mild  breath  of  early  spring.  The 
forests  surrounding  our  temporary  encampment  were 
rich  in  foliage,  and  the  songs  from  a  thousand  birds 
added  to  the  charm  of  the  hour. 

In  compliance  with  orders  issued  the  night  before,  Ave 
were  astir  early,  having  been  in  readiness  to  fall  into 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  9? 

line  since  about  five  o'clock  in  the  morning.  But  as 
usual,  hour  after  hour  passed,  and  still  there  were  no 
specific  orders  to  move.  The  sun  meanwhile  became 
blistering  hot.  It  was  a  little  past  the  hour  of  noon,  and 
while  some  of  the  boys  were  napping,  having  neglected 
to  eat  their  noon  rations,  that  the  order  came,  "  Fall  in 
immediately,"  and  quite  to  our  surprise  and  almost  in 
fewer  minutes  than  it  takes  to  narrate  it,  we  had 
formed  our  line,  broken  by  u  right  face"  into  "fours," 
and  were  moving  quick  time  towards  the  enemy. 

There  were  indications  that  the  Confederate  troops 
from  Port  Hudson,  having  learned  of  our  retreat  two  days 
before,  had  begun  a  move  either  to  intercept  or  attack 
us.  Our  regiment,  together  with  the  Fourth  Massa 
chusetts  and  four  companies  of  the  One  Hundred 
Tenth  New  York,  were  sent  over  one  road  towards  Port 
Hudson,  and  two  brigades  over  another,  either  to  recon 
noitre  or  to  hold  in  check  the  Confederates  if  they 
really  were  advancing  against  us,  until  the  main  body  of 
our  troops  could  be  brought  into  position  to  meet  them. 
That  we  were  sent  to  reconnoitre  seems  the  more  probable. 

This  movement  tested  the  metal  of  the  Sixteenth  more, 
perhaps,  than  any  other  we  had  made.  The  mud  was 
still  sticky  under  our  feet,  and  the  sun  was  blazing  hot 
over  our  heads.  Our  men,  under  the  rapid  advance, 
began  to  stagger  ;  they  dared  not  "  fall  out,"  for  in  that 
case  they  would  be  left  in  a  deserted  and  desolate  region, 
and  likely  enough  all  such  stragglers  speedily  would 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

Soon  the  men  began  to  lighten  themselves  of  the  loads 


OcS  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

they  were  carrying.  First  large  supplies  of  sugar  were 
thrown  away.  For  a  distance  of  a  mile  or  more  those  in 
the  rear  hardly  could  step  except  on  sugar  mixed  with 
mud.  Haversack  after  haversack  was  emptied  of  that 
for  which  the  boys,  with  a  measure  of  peril,  had  run  the 
guard  the  day  before. 

Next,  the  men  cast  away  their  blankets,  their  shelter 
tents,  and  their  knapsacks.  How  could  they  do  other 
wise  {  Many  of  them  were  more  than  half  sick,  and 
nearly  all  were  debilitated.  Nor  was  there  an  ambulance, 
or  so  much  as  an  army  wagon,  provided  for  this  expedi 
tion. 

It  will  be  remembered,  too,  that  each  man  had  been 
required  to  take  with  him  a  hundred  rounds  of  ammuni 
tion.  Some  of  the  men  had  become  thoroughly  indig 
nant,  feeling  that  this  surplus  of  ammunition,  as  already 
suggested  should  have  been  carried  by  mules,  not  by 
men.  That  not  a  little  of  this  ammunition,  aside  from 
Avhat  filled  the  cartridge-boxes,  was  thrown  into  the 
bushes  and  trenches  by  the  roadway  on  this  march,  need 
therefore  occasion  no  surprise. 

And  what  made  matters  worse  was  this  fact  that  we 
had  been  misdirected,  or  at  least  we  were  being  led  over 
a  road  with  which  the  guides  could  not  have  been  famil 
iar.  It  was  a  roadway  that  appeared  to  have  been  in 
use  only  a  part  of  the  year,  and  was  especially  unfit  for 
travel  (luring  the  spring  months. 

If  this  mistake  had  not  been  made  we  should  have 
marched  dry-shod  over  an  excellent  road,  and  have  been 
spared  the  first  instalment  of  our  mud  experience.  As 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  101 

it  was,  we  in  arched  several  miles  out  of  our  way  for  no 
other  purpose  that  we  could  see  than  to  go  at  least  four 
miles  on  a  cross  road  through  mud  nearly  knee-deep. 
But  all  this  was  only  preliminary. 

There  were  with  us  up  to  this  time  four  companies  of 
the  One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York,  and  the  Fourth 
Massachusetts,  the  entire  detachment  being  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Walker.  After  reaching  the  Clinton 
road,  which  we  should  have  reached  two  or  three  hours 
earlier,  we  were  marched  five  or  six  miles  further  in 
quick  time  to  make  up  for  the  hours  \ve  had  lost  in  con 
sequence  of  our  misdirection,  for  which,  however,  we 
had  been  in  no  way  responsible.  On  coming  up  to  the 
other  detachments,  we  should  have  been  allowed  at  least 
a  brief  rest ;  but  the  commanding  officers  gave  no  heed  to 
our  request,  and,  seeming  to  care  nothing  for  the  plight 
we  were  in,  ordered  the  Sixteenth,  with  the  four  com 
panies  of  the  One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York,  Colonel 
Sage  commanding,  to  proceed  without  delay  to  the  place 
for  which  we  had  started  by  the  impassable  road  we  had 
taken  on  first  leaving  our  encampment  at  noon. 

AVhether  New  Hampshire  and  New  York  troops  were  in 
tentionally  discriminated  against  we  cannot  say,  but  the 
Fourth  Massachusetts,  that  had  started  with  us.  was  de 
tached  and  permitted  to  pitch  their  shelter  tents  near 
the  Clinton  road.  And  more  than  this,  there  were  several 
regiments  that  had  marched  that  day  scarcely  more  than 
five  miles,  while  we  had  marched  twenty,  a  larger  part 
of  the  way  being  over  difficult  roads,  and  some  of  the 
way  through  mud  knee-deep.  And  yet,  without  a 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     R  EOT  ME  NT 

moment's  rest,  we  were  ordered  to  proceed  on  a  cross 
road  that  led  us  into  one  of  the  most  dismal  swamps 
soldiers  ever  were  required  to  enter. 

As  we  recall  all  these  facts,  the  more  provoking  and 
heartless  appears  the  treatment  we  received.  We  ought 
to  have  gone  into  a  state  of  rebellion  and  have  taken  the 
consequences. 

In  confirmation  in  part  of  what  we  are  saying,  we  copy 
a  few  lines  from  one  of  the  regimental  histories — that 
of  the  Fifty-third  Massachusetts — which  gives  an  ac 
count  of  their  day's  work,  in  contrast  to  that  of  ours  : 

"  March  seventeenth,  "  says  their  historian,  t%  the 
regiment  inarched  Avith  two  others  on  a  reconnoissance 
iij)  the  Clinton  road  ;  proceeded  five  miles,  and  bivou 
acked  for  the  night  in  a  beautiful  little  opening  in  the 
woods,  with  a  brook  of  clear  water  running  through  it, 
and  surrounded  with  cornus  trees  in  full  bloom.  It  was 
a  charming  spot  where  we  would  fain  have  lingered,  but 
we  were  ordered  back  the  next  morning,  and  again  the 
object  of  the  expedition  was  accomplished." 

Why  could  not  that  regiment,  or  some  other  one 
equally  favored,  have  plunged  into  the  swamp,  and  we 
have  been  allowed  to  bivouac  for  the  night  or  at  least  for 
a  few  hours  in  that  "beautiful  little  opening"  ?  Some 
body  certainly  was  pig-headed,  bull-headed,  thick 
headed  or  something  else  of  the  sort. 

The  accompanying  diagram  will  give  the  reader  an 
idea  of  what  we  have  been  saying. 

The  cane  Held,  where  we  were  encamped  and  from 
Avhich  we  started,  was  at  the  point  marked  by  an  obelisk 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLT  XTKERS.  105 

[+].  We  moved  to  the  left,  following  up  tlie  river  to  the 
point  marked  by  tlie  single  star  [*].  Here  we  filed  to 
the  right,  going  through  two  feet  of  mud  a  part  of  tlie 
way  to  tlie  point  marked  by  two  stars  [**].  Thence  we 
were  hurried  on  to  the  point  marked  by  a  circle  [<>].  At 
this  place  were  several  regiments,  among  them  the  Fifty- 
third  Massachusetts,  that  had  marched  only  iive  miles, 
that  is,  from  the  two  stars  to  a  point  this  side  of  the 
circle.  Here  also  the  Fourth  Massachusetts  was  de 
tached  and  allowed  to  rest. 

The  Sixteenth  and  the  four  companies  of  the  One 
Hundred  Tenth  New  York  then  proceeded  towards 
the  point  marked  by  the  square  [  H  ],  the  New  York 
companies  stopping  at  a  point  indicated  by  the  circle 
with  a  dot  in  the  centre  [O]«  while  our  regiment  pro 
ceeded  to  the  point  indicated  by  the  square  [  •  -J  J.  In  the 
space  between  the  circle  [OJ  and  the  square  [  ^  ]  were 
two  bayous  of  considerable  size  and  several  small  ones, 
also  a  cypress  swamp,  skirted  with  ponderous  and  dense 
trees  extending  nearly  the  entire  distance  between  the 
two  points  indicated. 

Soon  after  our  start  on  this  march,  and  before  we  had 
reached  the  swamp,  at  a  point  indicated  on  the  diagram 
by  two  small  circles  [oo|,  our  regiment  was  suddenly 
halted. 

The  orders,   "Halt!"   "  Musicians  to  the  rear  !"  ''Load 
at  will  !"    "  Company  A,  deploy  !"    were  given  in   rapid 
succession    by    our     cool     and    courageous    Lieutenant- 
Colonel   Fuller,  who  was   then   in   command.      The  com 
pany  officers   could   be   heard   cautioning   their  men   in 


106  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     KEdlMENT 

somewhat  authoritative  tones,  thus:  "Steady,  boys." 
"Keep  cool."  "Load  carefully."  The  loading  was 
quickly  done  and  the  guns  were  brought  into  position 
for  the  "  Keady  !  "  "Aim  !  "  "Fire." 

Had  the  enemy  really  appeared,  our  regiment  would 
have  fought  that  night  like  veterans.  AVe  were  just 
cross,  out  of  sorts,  and  desperate  enough  to  light  any 
body  of  troops  coming  against  us.  Death  seemed  to  have 
no  terrors.  The  orders  had  been  given  to  meet,  as  we 
had  reason  to  suppose,  a  cavalry  raid  of  the  Confede 
rates.  The  scare  was  caused,  however,  by  a  small  body 
of  Federal  cavalry  returning  from  an  attempt  to  discover 
the  position  and  strength  of  the  enemy  at  the  north  of 
us.  AYithout  stopping,  this  cavalry  company  moved 
back  to  the  Clinton  road,  leaving  us  to  scout  and  patrol 
for  ourselves. 

It  was  afterwards  learned  that  fifteen  hundred  Con 
federates  were  at  that  hour  slowly  moving  towards  the 
position  we  then  held.  AVe  did  not  know  anything  of 
our  danger,  however,  and  a  little  later  resumed  our 
march.  The  flashing  eye  and  nerve  of  our  boys  seen  a 
few  minutes  before  when  a  light  was  in  prospect,  soon 
gave  place  to  half-closed  eyes,  bent  shoulders,  and  that 
long,  loping  pace  that  characterizes  thoroughly  tired 
men. 

As  a  precautionary  measure,  company  F  was  divided 
and  sent  out  on  either  side  to  Hank  the  regiment  during 
its  advance.  It  was,  however,  an  impossible  undertak 
ing.  After  repeated  attempts  to  make  headway  through 
water,  mud,  underbrush  and  among  prostrate  trees,  Cap- 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS.  1  0? 

tain  Woods,  realizing  that  lie  must  have  fallen  consider 
ably  behind  the  regiment,  and,  therefore,  no  longer  could 
flank  it,  sought  the  road  and  awaited  the  coming  of 
Lieutenant  Adams,  who  was  in  command  of  the  other 
detachment  of  the  company. 

After  a  brief  delay  and  to  the  very  great  relief  of  Cap 
tain  Woods.  Adams  emerged  from  the  swamp  and  the 
entire  company  took  up  its  line  of  march,  reaching  soon 
after  the  position  occupied  by  the  four  companies  of  the 
One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York. 

Of  the  pickets  inquiry  was  made  for  the  whereabouts 
of  the  Sixteenth  and  being  informed  that  it  had  passed 
into  the  swamp  beyond,  Captain  Woods  hurried  on  his 
men  as  rapidly  as  possible  until  the  regiment,  was  over 
taken. 

The  last  few  miles  of  our  mud  march  almost  beggars 
description.  Every  now  and  then  some  of  the  men 
would  stumble  and  fall,  and  were  so  exhausted  that 
they  were  unable  to  rise  without  help.  The  shoes 
of  many  of  the  men,  filled  with  water  and  mud,  became 
so  imbedded  that  after  repeated  and  ineffectual  efforts  to 
extricate  them,  were  left  behind,  and  the  men  continued 
to  stagger  on  in  their  stocking-feet. 

The  horses  of  the  officers  were  loaded  with  the  guns 
and  knapsacks  of  the  fainting  men,  and  though  thus 
relieved  several  of  our  over-taxed  comrades  dropped  out 
of  the  ranks,  found  some  knoll  and  sank  upon  it  appar 
ently  indifferent  whether  they  should  sleep  till  morn 
ing,  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  or  meet  death  in 
that  lonely  place. 


108  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Those  who  had  strength  continued  the  march  through 
this  swamp  and  its  bayous  whose  waters  in  places 
reached  nearly  to  the  arm-pits  of  the  shorter  men,  and 
we  found  ourselves,  a  few  minutes  before  nine  o'clock  in 
the  evening,  at  the  place  for  which  we  had  started  nine 
hours  before.  Under  a  partly  clouded  sky  we  broke 
ranks  and  expected  to  bivouac  there  till  morning. 

As  precautionary  measures  no  fires  were  lighted,  no 
conversation  permitted  save  in  whispers,  and  no  com 
mands  given  except  in  undertones.  The  pickets  were 
well  posted  ;  headquarters,  such  as  we  had,  were  in  an 
open  field  by  the  roadside  and  silence  reigned.  Those 
who  were  not  assigned  to  guard  duty,  wet  and  covered 
with  mud,  gnawing  a  little  hardtack  to  keep  soul  and 
body  together,  threw  themselves  in  great  disorder  upon 
the  ground  for  such  rest  as  they  could  get. 

Scarcely  more  than  an  hour  could  have  passed  after  we 
had  taken  our  position  for  the  night  when  a  man  came 
into  our  lines,  who,  in  a  quiet  and  perfectly  self-possessed 
way,  as  our  recollection  serves  us,  made  essentially  these 
statements  :  "  The  Confederates  are  near  you  and  are 
advancing.  General  Dwight  who  has  reconnoitered  to  a 
point  near  Port  Hudson,  is  in  full  retreat.  [Dwight  had 
gone  by  the  road  indicated  by  a  double  dotted  line  (  ) 
to  within  four  miles  of  Port  Hudson.)  The  regiment 
that  has  been  on  your  right  four  companies  of  the  One 
Hundred  Tenth  New  York]  is  withdrawn  and  you  ought 
to  follow." 

There  were  no  written  orders,  indeed  the  man  seemed 
ro  have  no  special  orders  from  any  one,  and  after  giving 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOLTXTEEKS.  109 

this  information  disappeared  as  quickly  as  lie  had  come. 
Inquiry  was  made  for  him  subsequently,  but  he  could 
not  be  found.  For  aught  we  knew  he  might  have  been 
a  Confederate  spy,  or  picket  but  friendly  to  our  side 
giving  us  this  information  that  we  might  make  good  our 
escape. 

If  these  are  the  facts,  we  hereby  express  to  that  man, 
alive  or  dead  our  gratitude.  And  if  he  is  still  living 
and  this  story  of  the  mud  march  ever  comes  to  his 
notice,  we  hope  he  will  report  his  name  to  our  regiment 
through  the  adjutant-general  of  New  Hampshire,  or  in 
any  other  possible  way. 

It'  we  are  mistaken  in  this  conjecture,  and  if  the  scout 
was  a  Union  soldier,  we  shall  welcome  any  correction  of 
these  statements.  ' 

Immediately  on  the  departure  of  this  man  our  officers 
were  hastily  summoned  for  consultation.  While  thus 
engaged  one  of  our  number,  Dr.  Fi.sk,  who  had  been 
prospecting  for  drinking  water,  reported  that  he  had  seen 
a  woman  at  the  back  of  a  plantation  house  near  by  giving 
signals  with  a  candle.  Presumably  she  was  communi 
cating  with  Confederate  troops  who  were  known  to  be  in 
close  proximity  to  the  position  we  then  held. 


*  Since  the  publication  of  the  foregoing  account  we  have  received  a 
letter  from  one  of  our  officers  who  has  the  impression  that  the  man  who 
gave  us  this  information  had  authority  to  do  so  from  General  Dwight. 
We  will  not  say  positively  that  such  was  not  the  case,  but  anything  like  an 
order  for  retreat  should  have  come  into  the  hands  of  the  adjutant,  which 
was  not  the  case.  And  further,  we  do  not  see  how  it  was  possible  for  a 
Federal  soldier  from  Dwight's  division  at  that  time  to  have  reached  us  for 
the  Confederates  were  between  us  and  Dwight  except  on  our  right  where 
stretched  a  well  nigh  impenetrable  swamp. 

Our  recollection  is  quite  vivid  and  is  confirmed  by  others  whom  we  have 
consulted  that  after  receiving  the  information  given  by  the  scout  we  made 
our  retreat  upon  our  own  responsibility. 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

On  further  investigation  it  was  ascertained  that  the  four 
companies  of  the  One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York  had 
withdrawn,  and  that  we  were  without  artillery  or  cavalry 
or  any  other  support,  and  were  without  any  communi 
cation  with  the  other  troops  of  our  brigade,  who  were 
four  miles  away. 

AYe  were  not  long,  therefore,  in  reaching  the  conclu 
sion  that  we  were  on  the  wrong  side  of  the  swamp. 
Hence,  we  decided  to  retreat.  \Yord  was  passed  as 
quickly  as  possible  from  man  to  man,  and  in  a  half- 
dazed  condition  our  regiment  soon  was  in  line  of  march, 
headed  for  the  several  bayous  and  hideous  swamps 
through  which  we  had  just  passed.  AYe  made  this  move 
none  too  soon.  The  waters  in  the  first  bayou  were 
slowly  rising.  Our  conjecture  was  that  the  Confeder 
ates  had  turned  the  water  of  some  other  bayou  into  this 
one  in  order,  if  possible,  to  cut  off  our  retreat.  Then 
began  a  repetition  of  what  we  had  experienced  an  hour 
or  so  before. 

It  was  by  this  time  too  dark  to  pick  our  way,  as  at  a 
few  points  we  had  been  able  to  do  when  we  entered  the 
swamp  on  the  other  side.  Our  men  soon  were  wading 
in  mud  that  was  waist-dee}).  Every  now  and  then  they 
would  stumble  over  logs  and  one  another.  Many  of 
them  were  too  tired  to  utter  a  word  ;  with  bent  forms 
and  downcast  eyes  they  struggled  on.  Some  were  swear 
ing  at  every  mishap  and  others  in  half  prayer  and  half 
oath  were  saying,  wi()  Uod  !  1  cannot  stand  this  any 
longer."  The  hooting  of  owls  and  splashing  of  reptiles, 
especially  young  alligators  and  moccasin  snakes,  added 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  Ill 

gloom  to  the  darkness  of  the  night.  Why  some  of  the 
men  were  not  fatally  bitten  by  reptiles  is  more  than  we 
can  tell. 

When  hardly  knowing  which  way  the  road  led  we 
would  light  a  candle  or  two,  and,  having  made  our 
observations,  continue  to  feel  our  way  in  the  darkness, 
which  at  times  was  so  dense  that  we  scarcely  could  see 
the  hand  before  the  face. 

The  most  distressing  record  to  make  in  this  part  of 
the  narrative  is  that  some  of  our  men,  as  we  have  reason 
to  believe,  who  entered  this  doleful  swamp  never  came 
out  of  it. 

We  were  while  going  and  returning,  thus  beswamped 
for  nearly  five  hours. 

At  a  little  past  midnight,  more  dead  than  alive,  we 
crawled  out  of  this  dismal  slough  and  soon  after  reached 
the  Clinton  road.  Here  we  had  hoped  to  rest,  but  found 
that  the  other  troops,  who  had  been  taking  their  ease 
since  mid-forenoon  the  day  before,  already  were  form 
ing  in  line  to  retreat,  the  report  having  reached  them 
that  an  advance  of  the  Confederate  cavalry  had  begun. 
The  Sixteenth  was  not  given  time,  therefore,  to  make  a 
cup  of  coffee  or  even  to  take  breath,  but  was  ordered  to 
continue  its  march  in  quick  time.  Some  of  our  men, 
however,  could  not  do  this  and  dropped  in  their  tracks 
by  the  roadside.  Had  their  lives  depended  on  making 
this  move  with  the  other  troops  they  would  have  re 
mained,  for  a  time  at  least,  where  they  had  fallen. 

We  do  not  know  that  any  -complaint  or  criticism 
should  be  offered  at  this  point,  for  the  enemy  doubtless 


112  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

was  following  us  up  closely  and  the  position  then  occu 
pied  was  a  bad,  at  least  an  exposed  one,  had  an  attack 
been  made. 

The  march  was  continued  for  an  hour  and  a  half  longer, 
until  fairly  good  lighting  ground  was  reached.  A  halt 
was  ordered,  the  troops  were  properly  arranged,  and 
there  was  rest  until  daylight. 

The  place  assigned  to  our  regiment  was  low  and 
swampy,  so  much  so  that  on  rising  at  daylight  the 
rubber  blanket  under  the  major  and  adjutant,  who  were 
bunked  together,  had  sunk  into  the  soft  ground  and  was 
filled  with  a  pailful  or  more  of  mud  and  water. 

At  this  point  in  the  narrative,  we  must  go  back  for  a 
few  moments,  for  some  of  our  comrades  were  left  on  the 
other  side  of  the  swamp  when  the  main  body  of  the 
regiment  had  crossed,  or  was  crossing  it.  There  were 
three  groupings  of  these  belated  and  imperiled  men. 

The  first  grouping  were  the  pickets  that  had  been 
stationed  to  the  north  and  east  of  the  regiment.  In  the 
h.urry  and  confusion  of  the  retreat  the  office]-  of  the  day. 
Lieutenant  -  -  (we  withhold  his  name),  had  forgotten 
to  see  that  the  guards  were  notified  and  called  in. 

One  of  those  guards,  a  private  of  Company  C,  who  was 
stationed  nearest  the  road  leading  to  the  swamp,  seeing 
that  the  regiment  was  on  a  move,  grew  uneasy.  lie  felt 
there  must  have  been  an  oversight  or  mistake  on  the 
part  of  some  one,  and  therefore  resolved  to  shoulder  on 
his  own  account  a  measure  of  responsibility.  Accord 
ingly,  he  went  to  his  nearest  neighbor,  telling  him  to 
pass  along  word  from  man  to  man  to  come  at  once  to 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  113 

the  place  where  had  been  the  headquarters  of  the  regi 
ment.  When  all  had  reported,  he  said  to  them,  b*  Boys, 
no  doubt  we  have  been  left  through  some  blunder. 
What  shall  we  do  >  " 

After  consultation  it  was  the  unanimous  opinion  of 
the  men,  though  without  orders,  that  they  would  better 
quit  their  post  and  follow  on  after  the  regiment  rather 
than  remain  where  they  were  sure  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  Confederates.  Accordingly,  they  did  about  as 
unmilitary  a  thing  as  soldiers  well  could  do, —  deserted 
their  post  and  followed  the  retreating  regiment. 

They  found,  first  of  all,  that  the  planking  of  the  bridge 
over  the  first  and  deepest  bayou  had  been  thrown  into 
the  stream  by  the  last  of  our  men  who  had  crossed  it. 
Holding  their  cartridge-boxes  above  the  water,  they 
forded  this  bayou  in  safety.  But  the  remainder  of  the 
march  in  the  darkness  was  fearful  and  horrible.  Once 
in  the  swamp,  however,  they  were  safe  from  the  Con 
federates,  for  no  enemy  on  earth  would  have  followed 
them  where  they  went  that  night.  Those  retreating 
guards  overtook  some  of  the  stragglers  of  our  regiment 
who  from  sheer  exhaustion  had  fallen  behind,  but  by 
encouragement  and  help  the  most  of  them  followed  until 
the  main  body  of  the  troops  was  reached  on  the  Clinton 
road. 

The  second  grouping  of  our  deserted  men  numbered 
six  who  had  been  stationed  on  outpost  duty  on  the  left 
flank  of  the  regiment.  They,  too,  had  become  uneasy. 
What  indications  of  life  they  heard  were  on  their  front 
where  the  eneniv  was,  and  not  far  awav,  and  it  was 


1.14  HISTORY    OF    Till:    SIXTKKXTH    ISK 

ominously  and  painfully  silent  in  the  direction  where 
our  regiment  was  supposed  to  be  ;  and  furthermore,  the 
signal,  an  occasional  rapping  on  the  sword  scabbard  by 
the  officer  of  the  day,  that  had  been  agreed  upon,  with 
which  to  keep  those  pickets  in  touch  with  the  regiment, 
was  no  longer  heard.  The  men  concluded,  therefore,  to 
investigate,  and  upon  doing  so  found  that  the  regiment 
had  gone  and  that  they  were  left  ar>parently  alone. 

Those  six  men  concluded,  without  further  delay,  that 
they  would  follow  the  regiment.  There  was  between 
them  and  the  ford  a  rail  fence  well  covered  with  vines. 
On  the  south  side  of  this  they  quietly  crept  a  part  of  the 
way  on  their  hands  and  knees  in  order  not  to  arrest  at 
tention,  for  by  that  time  the  Confederate  scouts  were 
close  upon  them. 

The  water  in  the  first  bayou  still  rising,  having  also 
something  of  a  current,  was  then  almost  too  dangerous 
to  enter.  But  the  men  took  the  chances.  How  they 
ever  forded  it  and  found  their  way  through  the  swamp 
beyond  it  is  an  astonishment  to  every  one  who  partici 
pated  in  that  doleful  night's  adventure. 

One  of  their  number,  in  giving  an  account  of  his 
experience  to  the  writer,  said  :  "We  could  not  see  our 
way  and  we  went  through  that  swam])  solely  by  the 
sense  of  feeling.  We  could  tell  by  the  condition  of  the 
mud  where  the  men  already  had  passed,  and  this  was 
our  only  guide.1' 

One  of  the  number,  after  ineffectual  efforts  to  keep 
along  with  the  rest,  fell  behind,  and  for  two  days  was 
reported  as  missing.  It  is  a  wonder  that  in  despair  he 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  ll? 

did  not  sink  in  the  darkness  and  find  his  burial-place  in 
the  mud. 

The  other  five  reached  the  embankment  on  the  side  of 
the  Clinton  road  but  could  go  no  further.  To  their  dis 
may  they  found  that  the  other  troops,  including  our 
regiment,  had  some  time  before  taken  up  their  line  of 
march,  and  where  they  had  gone  those  five  men  did  not 
know.  \Vhile  they  were  lying  there  [at  the  point  on 
the  diagram  marked  O],  a  company  of  Confederate 
cavalry  scouts  passed  down  the  road  within  fen  feet  of 
them,  and  a  few  minutes  later  galloped  back,  having 
discovered,  no  doubt,  that  the  detachments  bivouacked 
at  the  points  indicated  in  the  diagram  by  the  three  small 
circles  [  ^0  ]  were  in  good  position  to  repel  an  attack. 

At  daylight  those  five  men  followed  down  the  road, 
keeping,  meanwhile,  a  sharp  lookout  for  the  enemy, 
until  the  other  troops  were  overtaken. 

The  third  grouping  of  our  deserted  men,  four  in 
number,  three  of  whom  were  members  of  the  band,  the 
other  a  private,  had  sought  the  comfort  and  protection  of 
a  slave  cabin  near  the  position  taken  by  the  regiment 
for  the  night  and  had  fallen  asleep.  Within  a  few 
minutes  after  the  guards  and  pickets  had  gone,  this 
cabin  was  surrounded  and  the  four  men  were  taken 
prisoners,  and  the  next  morning  marched  into  Port 
Hudson. 

It  is  just  to  all  parties  to  say  at  this  point  that  it  sub 
sequently  turned  out  that  the  conjecture  of  the  private 
in  Company  C,  Ramsey  C.  BoutAvell,  was  correct.  The 
lieutenant  of  the  guard,  on  his  own  confession  subse- 


118  1 1 .1 S  T  O  II Y    OF    T  UK    SIX  T  K  K  X  T 1 1     1 1  K(  i  I  M  K  X  T 

quently  made,  had  not  attended  to  one  of  his  most 
important  duties,  which  was  to  call  in  the  guard  and  the 
outpost  picket  at  the  time  the  regiment  moved. 

Though  this  remissness  was  known  to  the  regimental 
officers,  it  was  thought  best  not  to  reprimand  either  the 
lieutenant  for  his  neglect  or  the  men  on  picket  duty 
for  their  disobedience  and  desertion.  Indeed,  who  was 
qualified  to  administer  discipline  >  Those  in  command 
above  us,  as  we  believe,  had  failed  in  their  duty,  having 
left  our  regiment  to  shift  for  itself.  Nor  could  our 
own  regimental  officers  very  well  court-martial  the 
guards  and  pickets,  since  without  orders  the  entire 
regiment  had  taken  the  matter  of  retreat  into  its  own 
hands. 

It  is  perfectly  manifest  that  the  Sixteenth  regiment, 
according  to  the  rules  of  war,  ought  to  have  had  its 
colors  taken  away,  and  have  been  disgraced. 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  had  we  remained  beyond  the 
bayou  one  hour  longer  than  we  did,  there  would  have 
been  for  us  no  escape.  We  therefore  have  no  regrets 
and  feel  not  the  slightest  mortification  in  recording 
those  unmilitary  acts. 

In  all  probability  under  similar  circumstances  this 
behavior  would  have  been  repeated  by  our  men.  And 
whatever  may  be  thought  of  what  we  are  saying,  and 
while  reali/iug  the  peril  of  the  unmilitary  conduct  that 
by  implication  we  are  recommending,  still  we  accord 
our  praises  to  good  judgment  and  common  sense  aswell 
as  to  implicit  and  explicit  obedience  to  orders,  especially 
when  the  ship  is  on  fire  or  when  confidence  in  the  com 
manding  officers  is  somewhat  impaired. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  119 

Casablanca  was  a  brave,  good  boy,  but  we  always  have 
thought  he  was  lacking  somewhat  in  "  horse  sense  "  if 
the  expression  can  be  pardoned,  when  he  remained 

"  Standing  on  the  burning  deck. 
Whence  all  but  him  had  fled." 

Beturning  now  to  the  main  narrative,  we  find  our  reg 
iment,  with  most  of  the  stragglers  who  had  followed  ns, 
still  bivouacked  at  the  place  we  had  reached  between 
two  arid  three  o'clock  in  the  morning.  It  was  slightly 
foggy  and  not  fairly  light  when  our  men  were  astir  the 
next  morning.  Such  looking  men  as  composed  the  Six 
teenth  regiment  when  the  light  fully  dawned,  this  world, 
at  least  in  civilized  countries,  rarely  has  seen.  Their 
features  were  pinched  and  haggard  ;  their  eyes  blood 
shot  and  sunken  ;  their  legs  and  feet  stiff  and  swollen. 
There  was  scarcely  a  foot  in  the  regiment  but  could 
show  its  blistered  toes  ;  there  were  ankle-joints  com 
pletely  peeled  by  the  hard  usage  ;  some  of  the  men  had 
on  but  one  shoe,  others  had  both  feet  bare  or  bound  up 
in  rags.  Some  of  the  men  while  struggling  and  stagger 
ing  in  the  swamp  had  bravely  clung  to  all  their  accou 
trements  and  the  hundred  rounds  of  ammunition,  but 
others  had  been  forced  to  throw  away  not  only  their  am 
munition  but  their  guns,  knapsacks,  blankets,  and  for 
clothing  had  on  little  except  coat  and  pants.  There  was 
not  a  man  in  the  whole  number  who  was  not  mud-be 
sprinkled  oi'  inud-besoaked  nearly  to  his  waist,  and  not 
a  few  in  the  ranks,  who,  while  in  the  swamp  had  stum 
bled  over  stumps,  fallen  timber,  and  each  other,  were  a 
mass  of  mud  from  head  to  feet.  As  one  of  our  regimen- 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    RE 

tnl  correspondents  wrote,  —  "a  sorer-skinned,  stiffer- 
jointed.  or  more  woebegon  and  bog-covered  body  of  men 
was  never  seen/' 

Our  readers  easily  can  infer  that  those  were  among 
the  experiences  that  helped  to  sap  the  vitality  of  the 
Sixteenth,  and,  notwithstanding  the  natural  vigor  of  its 
men,  made  them  an  easy  prey  to  disease  and  accounts  in 
part  for  the  terrible  fatality  that  came  to  them  a  month 
or  more  later.  There  is  no  doubt  that  scores  of  our  reg 
iment  never  after  that  mud  march  knew  a  well  day. 

We  find  on  consulting  our  journal  that  our  rations 
that  morn  ing  were  reduced  to  coffee  and  hardtack.  As 
soon  as  we  had  partaken  of  these  the  troops  were 
ordered  to  fall  into  line,  and  after  a  march  of  an  hour  or 
more  we  readied  the  cane-field  that  we  had  left  the  day 
before.  At  the  order,  "Break  ranks!"  most  of  the  men 
dropped  to  the  ground  completely  exhausted. 

We  need  not  say,  for  it  passes  without  saying,  that 
the  recollection  of  what  we  have  just  narrated,  even 
after  these  many  years  have  intervened,  is  sickening 
almost  beyond  endurance. 

Pardon  the  recapitulation  of  what  wre  were  subjected 
to  during  twenty-four  hours  beginning  on  the  morning 
of  March  seventeenth. 

First,  We  were  kept  waiting,  most  of  the  time  in  line, 
from  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  till  midday. 

Second,  We  made  a  needless  march  several  miles  on 
rough  and  muddy  roads,  in  roundabout  ways  when 
shorter  and  well-made  roads  should  have  been  taken;  and 
all  this  was  in  consequence  of  the  blunder  or  ignorance 
of  those  who  had  misdirected  us. 


— 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOLTXTKERS.  123 

Third,  Though  already  exhausted  from  a  long-  and 
quick  march,  and  though  there  was  at  command  an 
abundance  of  fresh  troops,  yet  our  regiment  and  four 
companies  of  the  One  Hundred  Tenth  New  York,  were 
sent  through  a  purgatory  of  mud  and  ditch  water,  to  an 
outpost  which  was  in  close  proximity  to  the  enemy. 

Fourth,  There  had  been  furnished  neither  cavalry  to 
escort  us,  nor  artillery  to  support  us,  nor  baggage  wagons 
to  help  us,  nor  a  solitary  army  ambulance  to  carry  our 
sick  and  disabled  men. 

Fifth,  There  were  no  means  of  communication  between 
our  regiment  and  the  remainder  of  the  troops  then  on 
the  Clinton  road,  nor  any  officer  in  authority  to  tell  us 
why  Ave  were  sent  to  this  outpost,  or  what  to  do  while 
there,  or  when  to  return. 

Sixth,  While  we  were  in  this  perilous  position  and 
when  we  made  our  retreat,  the  Confederate  scouts  were 
within  sight  of  us,  and  their  troops,  in  force  at  least 
five  thousand,  as  subsequently  was  learned,  including 
cavalry  and  infantry,  were  within  two  miles  of  where 
we  bivouacked  and  were  cautiously  feeling  their  way 
down  the  strip  of  land  lying  between  the  Mississippi  and 
the  bayous  that  we  must  cross  before  Ave  could  reach  the 
other  troops  of  our  command.  Had  they  flanked  us  even 
with  a  small  detachment  of  cavalry,  we  should  have 
been  bagged  and  marched  to  Port  Hudson  in  the  morning. 

We  do  not  care  to  say  more,  nor  will  we  comment 
further  on  that  whole  miserable  affair.  Our  indignation 
is  too  intense. 

After  reaching   the   encampment  in  the  cane-field,  we 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    UKGIMENT 

Avere  notified  that  there  still  Avas  danger,  though  seem 
ingly  not  so  great  as  the  day  before.  Our  men,  there 
fore,  measurably  had  to  be  kept  in  shape  and  position 
to  form  in  line. 

The  likelihood  of  an  attack  meanwhile  Avas  so  great 
that  General  l->anks  Avanted  every  available  man  to  be 
brought  to  the  front. 

The  adjutant  accordingly  was  sent  during  the  day  to 
Baton  Rouge  to  look  up  those  of  the  Sixteenth  Avho  had 
been  left  in  the  hospital  and  convalescent  camp  and  to 
bring  to  the  front  all  who  were  willing  to  accompany 
him.  The  men  were  called  together,  and  after  a  state 
ment  of  the  case  thirty-two  volunteered  to  make 
the  effort.  Some  of  those  who  volunteered  were  too  sick 
to  march,  and  the  line  when  formed  presented  as  pitiful 
a  sight  as  one  cares  to  look  on.  Had  the  authority  rested 
with  the  officer  every  one  of  those  men  except  a  half 
dozen  professional  bummers  would  have  been  sent  back 
to  the  hospital.  Poor  men!  Some  of  them  marched 
until  they  sank  in  their  tracks  and  were  carried  back  in 
an  ambulance  ;  others  never  recovered  from  the  effort  to 
do  their  duty  and  not  to  appear  to  desert  their  comrades 
while  in  the  face  of  the  enemy.  The  historian  may  say 
that  there  is  scarcely  anything  amid  all  his  duties  that 
lie  looks  back  upon  with  so  little  satisfaction  as  the 
using  of  his  words  and  influence  to  induce  those 
men  to  join  the  rest  of  the  regiment,  though  none  were 
required  to  accompany  him  except  such  as  volunteered. 

It  was,  in  a  large  measure,  the  volunteering  of  those 
sick  men  to  add  their  failing  strengtlr-to  the  next  move 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTXTEERS.  125 

that  rendered  the  scene  so  pathetic  that  it  never  can  be 
forgotten  by  the  executive  officer  of  the  regiment  to  his 
dying  day. 

The  next  morning,  March  twentieth,  we  were  ordered 
at  ten  o'clock  to  strike  tents  and  be  ready  for  an  imme 
diate  advance.  In  this  condition  of  expectancy  we 
remained  hour  after  hour  until  near  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  when  the  order  came  so  suddenly  that  the 
line  was  forming  while  men  were  buckling  on  their  knap 
sacks  and  other  accoutrements. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

RETURN  TO  BATON  ROUGE  AND  EXPEDITION  TO 
BRASHEAR  CITY. 

THERE  had  been  intimations  that  our  troops  were  to 
make  another  advance  by  way  of  the  Clinton 
road  to  Port  Hudson.  The  hearts  of  our  men 
sank  at  the  thought  not  of  meeting  the  enemy  but  of 
the  muddy  bayous  and  cedar  swamps  that  stretched 
between  us  and  that  stronghold  of  the  enemy. 

Having  but  recently  been  in  those  swamps,  we  had 
had  the  necessary  experience  and  were,  therefore,  just 
the  men  to  be  sent  there  again;  such  we  thought  would 
be  the  decision  of  our  superior  officers. 

Tt  soon  became  apparent,  however,  that  the  contemp 
lated  move  was  to  be  south,  not  north,  and  late  in  the 
afternoon  of  March  twentieth  our  regiment  found  itself 
again  on  its  old  and  filthy  camp  ground  at  Baton 
Rouge. 

Five  days  later,  in  answer  to  our  appeals,  almost  de 
mands,  for  another  camping  ground,  the  authorities 
ordered  our  removal  to  a  point  overlooking  the  river 
and  shaded  by  a  magniiicant  growth  of  magnolia.  There, 


HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  127 

amid  the  songs  of  mocking  and  other  birds  and  the  re 
freshing  shade  of  lofty  trees,  we  passed  some  of  the 
most  delightful  days  of  the  entire  campaign.  Many  of 
the  men  rallied  surprisingly  quick  from  the  effects  of 
the  severe  experiences  and  exposure  through  which  they 
had  just  passed. 

Among  the  various  duties  of  those  days  were  regi 
mental  inspections.  At  one  of  these  an  officer,  a  young 
West  Pointer,  passed  some  very  severe  criticisms  upon 
the  clothing  and  accoutrements  of  our  men.  The 
adjutant  was  not  the  only  one  in  the  regiment  who 
would  have  taken  supreme  delight  in  holding  that  fellow 
bodily  under  the  mire  through  which  we  had  marched, 
not  until  smothered  to  death,  but  until  the  upstart  had 
learned  something  of  our  baptism  in  that  ditch  water 
by  which  our  clothing  had  been  soiled  past  redemption. 

April  third  our  encampment  on  those  grounds,  the 
pleasantest  we  had  occupied  since  leaving  New  p]ngland, 
was  broken  up  and  we  were  ordered  on  board  the  trans 
port  Iberville  and  proceeded  down  the  Mississippi  dis 
embarking  at  Algiers  opposite  New  Orleans. 

Four  days  after  reaching  that  place  we  received  orders 
to  put  in  storage  all  surplus  baggage  which  was  to  be 
left  in  care  of  those  members  of  the  regiment  who  were 
too  sick  or  enfeebled  to  make  the  contemplated  advance. 

Our  late  experiences  had  taught  us  valuable  lessons 
and  therefore,  everything  that  could  possibly  be  dis 
pensed  with  was  placed  in  the  storehouse.  No  man 
was  disposed  or  foolish  enough  to  take  with  him  any 
relic  or  curiosity,  however  highly  prized  ;  indeed,  all 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMEXT 

extra    clothing   and  many  articles  of   comfort   in   cam}) 
life  were  packed  and  left  behind. 

At  that  juncture  there  came  to  light  an  illustration  of 
the  perversity,  almost  total  depravity,  of  human  nature. 
We  are  sorry  to  add  that  the  man  who  furnished  the 
exhibition  was  New  Hampshire  born  and  bred,  though 
it  also  should  be  said  that  he  enlisted  not  to  fight  in  the 
ranks  but  to  take  charge  of  one  of  the  teams  of  the  regi 
ment. 

In  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  teamster  he  had 
made  the  discovery  that  whenever  he  chose  he  could 
load  upon  his  wagon  articles,  useful  or  otherwise,  with 
out  having  to  give  an  account  of  the  same  either  to  the 
quartermaster  or  any  one  else.  And  he  also  had  learned 
that  he  could  unload  his  team  at  railway  stations  or 
boat  wharves  and  secure  rail  and  boat  transportation  by 
merely  marking  the  goods  and  saying  that  they  were  to 
be  delivered  at  such  and  such  stations  or  ports. 

Though  a  teamster  in  such  ways  could  take  advantage 
of  his  position,  yet  it  was  not  supposed  that  any  one 
would  be  dishonest,  or  at  least  venturesome  enough  to 
use  his  prerogatives  for  personal  ends,  or  that  goods 
would  be  shipped  except  by  the  order  of  some  army 
officer.  But  here  was  a  man  during  those  days 
when  we  had  been  undergoing  all  manner  of  hardship, 
when  we  had  been  in  danger  of  an  attack  at  any  hour, 
day  or  night,  when  sick,  wounded,  and  dying  men  had 
been  thick  about  us,  who  was  making  on  his  own  account 
provision  for  the  future.  In  the  words  of  one  of  our 
men  who  made  an  invoice  of  this  enterprising  teamster's 


NEW     II  AMI'S  II I  HE    VOLTNTEERS.  129 

possessions  and  foragings, —  ;%He  liad  collected  at  differ 
ent  places  articles  enough  with  which  to  set  up  a  junk 
store." 

Among  the  miscellaneous  collection  that  he  intended 
and  fully  expected  to  ship  North  for  sale,  use,  or  exhi 
bition  were  a  quantity  of  grape  and  canister,  a  twenty- 
four  pound  cannon-ball,  eighty  feet  of  cable  chain,  a 
quantity  of  cane  fishing  poles  and  knives  for  cutting- 
cane,  the  last  of  which  he  had  mistaken  for  Confederate 
implements  of  war;  there  were  also  in  his  possession 
nineteen  cast-off  muskets. 

He  had  been  successful  in  reaching  Algiers  with  those 
accumulations  of  his  industry  and  forethought,  but 
when  attempting  to  store  them  with  the  baggage  of  the 
regiment  his  scheme  was  discovered  and  his  heartless 
comrades,  greatly  to  his  mortification,  made  an  exhi 
bition  of  them  on  a  grass  plot  near  the  store  house, 
charging,  however,  no  admission  fees. 

On  the  night  of  April  seventh  there  was  no  sleep  for 
the  officers  of  the  regiment  and  only  little  for  the  men. 
At  an  early  hour  the  line  was  formed,  but  no  movement 
was  made  until  nearly  ten  o'clock,  when  we  were 
ordered  on  board  a  train  of  fifteen  flat  freight-cars  that 
stood  on  the  tracks  of  the  Great  Western  railway  and 
then  we  learned  that  our  destination  was  Brashear  City, 
eighty  miles  distant. 

That  the  expedition  was  to  be  one  of  considerable  mag 
nitude  was  apparent  from  the  fact  that  all  available  troops 
and  army  munitions  and  supplies  were  hurried  on  to  Ber 
wick  bay  as  rapidly  as  transportation  could  be  secured. 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

The  Great  Western  railway  follows  tlie  Mississippi 
river  almost  due  Avest  for  about  twenty-five  miles  and 
then  runs  southwest,  at  first  past  immense  plantations 
on  which  were  large  quantities  of  sugar-cane,  ungathered 
for  lack  of  laborers,  and  then  for  miles  and  miles 
through  dismal  swamps  where  hundreds  of  young  alli 
gators  could  be  seen  swimming  in  pools,  sleeping  on 
hummocks,  or  basking  in  the  sun.  We  greatly  desired 
to  engage  in  musket  practice  on  those  fellows,  but  had 
received  emphatic  orders  not  to  do  so. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  we  passed  General 
G  rover's  splendid  division  of  fighting  troops,  who  after 
leaving  Eaton  Kouge,  instead  of  coming  by  .New  Orleans 
as  we  had  done,  had  disembarked  at  Donaldsonville 
and  marched  thirty-five  miles  overland,  successfully 
clearing  that  part  of  the  country  of  several  strong  de 
tachments  of  the  enemy. 

Those  troops  had  been  held  back  until  the  remainder 
of  the  army  could  reach  Brashear  City  in  order  that 
General  Grover,  by  making  a  rapid  march  along  the 
strip  of  land  lying  between  Lake  Palourede  and  Bayou 
BoMif,  towards  Franklin,  could  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the 
Confederate  troops  should  they  attempt  to  escape  north 
when  pressed  by  our  forces  at  Berwick,  bay.  That  part 
of  the  campaign  appears  to  have  been  admirably 
planned. 

At  Bayou  BuMii!  ended  the  car  ride  of  the  Sixteenth, 
of  which  we  did  not  complain  though  the  road  was  in 
pool-  condition,  rough  and  out  of  repair,  and  though  the 
sun's  rays  at  times  were  blistering  hot  and  though  the 


*=>     u 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEEBS. 

iiat  freight-cars  were  without  so  much  as  a  piece  of  board 
for  a  seat.  Some  of  our  men  were  so  overcome  by  the 
tiresomeness  of  their  ride  that  they  had  to  be  carried 
from  the  cars  and  laid  on  the  ground  by  the  roadside. 
But  we  had  seen  too  much  hardship  of  other  kinds  to 
utter  one  word  of  complaint  against  the  poor  railroad 
accommodations  afforded  us. 

After  leaving  the  train  we  marched  about  five  miles  to 
Bra  shear  City,  which  like  many  other  Southern  and  like 
not  a  few  Western  cities  was  a  small  town,  such  as  would 
be  called  in  New  England  a  village. 

There  the  Sixteenth  and  the  Fourth  Massachusetts 
were  detached  from  their  divisions  and  assigned  to  pro 
vost-guard  duty,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fuller  being  ap 
pointed  "commander  of  the  post." 

At  that  time  we  were  living  in  shelter  tents  and  oolite 
contrary  to  our  desires  were  forced  to  do  garrison  duty 
instead  of  advancing  with  the  other  troops  of  our  divi 
sion,  who  were  soon  to  pursue  the  retreating  enemy  up 
the  Teche  country. 

On  the  night  of  our  arrival  we  were  ordered  to  be  pre 
pared  for  an  attack  before  morning  and  were  told  that 
we  must  defend  Brashear  City  "at  all  hazards."  \Ve 
put  ourselves  in  readiness  to  meet  the  enemy,  but  he  did 
not  appear 

During  that  and  several  succeeding  nights  there  was 
no  sleep  at  all  for  some  of  the  men  and  very  little  for 
any  of  them.  Our  beds  were  the  ground,  our  tents  a 
piece  of  cotton  cloth  open  at  both  ends,  and  such  armies, 
not  of  Confederate  troops  but  of  mosquitoes,  tilled  the 


134  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

air  after  sunfall  as  we  did  not  know  could  be  mustered 
for  service  anywhere  in  the  world.  They  seemed  to 
come  in  clouds  and  it  was  one  desperate  tight  for  life 
from  early  evening  till  morning. 

This  we  endured  several  nights  until  our  requisition 
for  mosquito  netting  could  be  filled.  Not  all  our  men 
were  supplied  at  the  first  issue,  and  the  unsupplied  ones 
in  some  instances  offered  as  high  as  four  dollars  for  a 
piece  of  this  netting,  though  costing  the  government  only 
a  few  cents;  this  fact  gives  some  idea  of  the  torture  expe 
rienced  by  us  during  the  first  few  nights  of  our  stay  at 
Brashear  City.  Some  of  our  men  in  their  desperation  and 
at  the  risk  of  smothering  to  death  folded  themselves  up 
in  tent  cloth  and  in  old  sails  found  on  the  wharves. 

The  importance  of  the  defense  of  that  place  to  any 
careful  observer  was  apparent  enough,  for  there  was  the 
base  of  supplies,  and  in  case  our  advancing  columns  in 
the  Teche  campaign  were  repulsed,  the  safety  of  the  re- 
treating  army  would  depend  largely  upon  the  possession 
by  our  troops  of  that  vitally  strategic  point  at  Brashear 
City.  The  gravity  of  the  situation  and  our  responsibility 
in  the  matter  of  defense  were  keenly  felt  by  our  officers. 

Among  other  duties  assigned  ns  were  the  loading  and 
unloading  of  cars  and  transports,  which  proved  exceed 
ingly  distasteful  ;  the  care  of  the  sick  of  other  regiments 
who  had  been  left  there  by  the  advancing  troops  was 
also  one  of  our  duties.  That  service  was  a  painful  one, 
and  all  the  more  so  because  other  duties  occupied  almost 
every  available  moment  of  our  time  and  we  had  for 
those  sick  soldiers  neither  hospital  stores,  nor  a  hospital 
building,  nor  even  a  hospital  tent, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLVXTEEKS.  135 

Tliose  sick  and  (lying  men,  without  suitable  food,  with 
no  adequate  protection,  bled  and  poisoned  by  mosqui 
toes,  breathing  an  atmosphere  loaded  with  malaria,  their 
clothing  soaked  at  night  with  heavy  dews  and  occasional 
showers,  and  by  day  their  faces  and  hands  almost  blis 
tered  by  the  hot  rays  of  the  sun,  were  dying  in  numbers 
that  were  startling.  We  wondered  then  and  wonder 
still  if  they  could  not  have  been  better  provided  for. 

We  should  have  done  more  for  them  ourselves  if  we 
could  have  bought  from  the  stores  of  the  town  or  from 
sutlers  articles  and  provisions  that  would  have  been  of 
benefit,  but  our  money  was  gone  and  pay  day  had  been 
long  delayed. 

Our  journal  states  that  "April  tenth  was  a  day  of 
unusual  activity.  Troops  rapidly  were  pushing  forward; 
army  supplies  were  arriving  from  New  Orleans  and 
were  despatching  to  the  front;  cars  loaded  with  sick  men 
were  arriving  from  New  Orleans  and  were  left  here  to 
grow  sicker  and  die;  at  least,  if  there  were  other 
reasons  for  leaving  them  no  one  could  tell  what  they 
were." 

General  Bank's  headquarters  were  still  on  the  Brash- 
ear  side  of  the  Atchafalaya  bayou.  General  Weitzel 
crossed  to  Berwick  on  the  opposite  side  by  ferry  early 
in  the  morning  of  April  tenth,  and  General  Emory 
crossed  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.  Before  even 
ing  there  was  considerable  firing  while  the  Federal 
troops  were  feeling  their  way  to  Franklin.  The  general 
advance,  however,  did  not  take  place  till  the  next  day, 
April  eleventh. 


180  HISTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTEKXTII    KEGIMKXT 

Our  regiment,  meanwhile,  was  being  scattered.  Two 
companies,  B  and  F,  were  sent  up  Bayou  Atchafalaya  a 
sliort  distance  to  strengthen  the  garrison  at  Fort  Buch 
anan.  The  object  of  this  garrison  was  to  protect  Gen 
eral  drover's  division  and  also  to  prevent  a  raid  on 
Brashear  City  from  the  north. 

Company  A  was  sent  on  outpost  duty  four  miles  south 
of  Brashear  City  to  guard  against  an  attack  by  guerillas 
from  that  quarter. 

A  number  of  men  belonging  to  Company  C  under  com 
mand  of  Lieutenant  Wilkins  of  Company  I,  every  com 
missioned  officer  of  Company  C  being  at  that  time  sick 
or  on  detached  duty,  were  sent  across  the  bayou  and  then 
west  on  an  untracked  but  partially  graded  railroad  bed 
to  report  on  the  feasibility  of  establishing  an  army  tele 
graph  line  in  that  direction. 

The  following  spicy  account  of  that  expedition  is  given 
by  one  of  the  men  in  these  words  :  "  We  crossed  the 
bayou  to  Berwick  by  boats  from  gunboat  Arizona,  and 
being  in  heavy  marching  order,  we  borrowed  a  mule  and 
a  horse  cart.  To  this  cart  we  harnessed  the  mule  and 
into  it  we  loaded  our  knapsacks  and  all  our  luggage 
except  our  rifles.  We  started  up  the  graded  railroad 
bed  which  ran  through  a  heavy-timbered  swam]).  There 
were  deep  ditches  full  of  water  on  either  side  of  us. 

We  proceeded  in  this  way  till  we  came  to  a  break  in 
the  road-bed  rilled  with  water,  too  wide  and  deep  to 
cross.  Having  no  pontoon-bridge  with  us,  and  nothing 
with  which  to  build  a  bridge,  we  were  obliged  to  return 
to  Berwick,  which  we  reached  early  that  evening, — 


NEW    JIAMPsniKK    yoLTNTEKRS.  137 

tlinnks  to  the  mule  and  cart.  The  ditches  each  side  of 
tliis  graded  railroad  were  wide  and  deep,  and  the  snakes 
and  alligators  were  very  numerous. 

On  our  way  out  we  were  very  quiet,  as  the  Rebs  might 
discover  us  and  cut  oft'  our  return.  But  on  the  way  back 
to  Berwick  we  indulged  ourselves  in  shooting  huge 
snakes  and  alligators.  I  shot  one  snake  and  four  alli 
gators.  On  reaching  Berwick,  which  was  quite  a  village 
of  deserted  houses  and  one  hotel,  we  found  no  inhabi 
tants  here  except  two  or  three  sick  or  wounded  Rebs  in 
the  houses  and  so  we  took  possession  of  the  vacant  ho 
tel  and  making  search,  discovered  a  cistern  of  good 
water  and  some  iron  kettles. 

We  made  a  lire  in  a  brick  fireplace,  and  some  of  the 
.boys,  with  the  aid  of  negroes,  brought  in  their  pant-legs 
tied  up  sweet  potatoes  in  quantity  from  a  plantation 
near-by  which  the  darkies  had  told  us  of.  We  put  on 
the  kettles,  and  soon  had  all  the  good,  boiled  sweet 
potatoes  we  could  eat.  and  as  none  of  us  had  had  a 
potato  for  a  long  time,  we  were  in  good  condition  to 
appreciate  them. 

After  satisfying  our  hunger,  pipes  were  in  order,  and 
with  our  heels  on  the  railing  of  the  verandah,  with  not 
a  man  on  guard,  with  the  full  moon  shining  as  only  the 
Southern  moon  in  that  latitude  can  shine,  we  enjoyed 
our  surroundings  and  situation  to  the  fullest  extent. 

Later  we  selected  our  several  rooms,  and  lying  on  our 
blankets  (the  furniture  in  this  hotel  was  gone  except  a 
few  chairs  and  boxes  we  used  for  seats),  we  slept  the 
sleep  of  tired  boys  till  some  one  woke  up  about  mid- 


188  HISTORY    OF    THE    SlXTKKXTII     RKO I M  KXT 

night  and  woke  all  the  rest,  saying,  '  I  am  hungry.'      '  So 
say  we  all  of  us,'  was  the  response. 

The  kettles  were  once  more  tilled,  fire  made  up,  and 
another  supper  of  sweet  potatoes  was  eaten  followed  by 
pipes  as  before,  and  we  thought  we  could  then  sleep  till 
morning,  which  we  did.  We  had  breakfast  of  sweet 
potatoes,  and  then  signaling  the  Arizona,  she  sent  a 
boat  for  us,  and  we  returned  to  our  regiment  and  com 
pany.'' 

The  companies  of  our  regiment  that  were  not  on 
detached  duty  bur  were  still  at  Brashear  City  and  also 
those  at  Fort  Buchanan,  were  constantly  in  expectation 
of  a  raid  by  guerrillas  or  an  attack  by  Confederate  gun 
boats  that  were  just  above  us  on  the  bayou. 

The  Queen,  of  tlte  Went,  one  of  the  enemy's  boats,  or 
rather  one  of  ours  that  had  been  captured  by  the  Con- 
fedrates,  was  of  sufficient  armament  and  strength  seem 
ingly  to  send  our  entire  fleet,  then  at  Brashears  City  to 
the  bottom,  had  an  attack  been  made. 

After  the  main  army  was  on  the  way  up  the  Teche 
road  and  near  Franklin,  the  Queen  of  the  West  and  her 
escorts,  as  had  been  expected  would  be  the  case,  were 
seen  slowly  dropping  down  the  river  toward  Fort 
Buchanan  with  the  manifest  intention  of  taking  it  and 
also  of  recapturing  "Bra  hear  City.  Had  she  succeeded, 
both  fort  and  town,  with  all  the  stores  in  them,  would 
have  been  captured,  the  base  of  supplies  cut  off,  and  a 
retreat  of  our  army  across  Berwick  Bay  to  Brashear  City 
and  to  New  Orleans  would  have  been  out  of  the  question. 
There  was,  as  can  easily  be  imagined,  no  little  trepida- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTXTKKKS.  141 

tion  among  those  who  understood  the  perils  that 
threatened  ns  when  the  Qiweii  of  tlie  West  was  seen 
approaching  the  fort. 

But  Captain  I).  P.  Upton,  as  he  was  called  by  us  (and 
he  was  in  every  way  worthy  of  the  title,  though  only  a 
lieutenant-commander),  was  not  asleep. 

By  a  belt  of  trees  his  boat  was  well  concealed  from  the 
Confederate  iieet.  He  ordered  his  gunners  to  clear  the 
decks,  and  to  open  fire  the  moment  the  enemy's  boats 
appeared  in  full  sight.  This  they  did.  But  the  shots 
went  wide  of  the  mark.  The  Confederate  captain, 
meanwhile  did  not  deign  to  waste  his  ammunition  on 
our  little  craft.  Captain  Upton,  becoming  impatient 
with  the  poor  marksmanship  of  his  gunners,  said,  "Let 
me  sight  that  gun."  He  did  so  and  the  shell  flew  on  its 
way,  landed  in  the  magazine,  and  instantly  a  part  of  the 
Queen  of  the  West  went  into  the  air  ;  she  was  set  on  lire 
and  after  floating  a  little  distance  sank  on  the  bottom 
of  the  bayou. 

The  other  boats  of  the  Confederate  fleet  were  in 
dismay.  They  wondered  what  sort  of  ordnance  our  fleet 
was  using;  and  heeding  the  maxim  that  discretion  is 
the  better  part  of  valor,  they  were  next  seen  steaming 
ns  rapidly  as  possible  up  the  bayou  till  lost  from  sight. 

It  was  the  privilege  of  the  Sixteenth  to  conduct  the 
famous  Captain  Fuller  of  the  Queen  of  tlte  West  to  its 
guard  quarters.  The  fallen  commander  seemed  quite 
da/ed  at  his  capture  and  the  loss  of  his  boat  at  a 
moment  when  he  was  perfectly  sure  of  playing  havoc 
with  the  Nineteenth  army  corps,  which  seemingly  would 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

have  been  the  case  but  for  that  fortunate  shot  of  the 
Arizona. 

Our  boys  also  that  day  placed  under  guard  eighty 
other  Confederate  prisoners,  among  whom  were  Captain 
Semmes,  an  accomplished  artillery  officer,  son  of  the 
commander  of  the  Alabama,  and  Lieutenant  "Vincent, 
said  to  be  the  office]'  who  not  long  before  had  ordered 
his  men  to  fire  upon  unarmed  Union  prisoners  in  the  city 
of  Richmond. 

The  fighting  meantime,  near  Franklin  had  been  severe, 
but  on  the  whole  the  Federal  troops  were  having  the 
advantage.  During  the  three  days,  beginning  April 
fourteenth,  there  were  thirteen  hundred  prisoners 
brought  into  our  lines,  many  of  whom  were  badly 
wounded.  Our  regiment  had  not  a  little  to  do  in  guard 
ing  and  caring  for  those  men. 

The  Union  troops  that  suffered  most  during  those 
three  days  were  the  Twenty-sixth  Connecticut,  and  the 
One  Hundred  Fifty-ninth  New  York,  whose  wounded 
men  on  reaching  Brashear  City  came  under  our  care. 

The  loss  in  the  first  mentioned  of  those  two  regiments 
was  fearful  and  sickening.  In  a  single  engagement  the 
colonel  was  shot  through  the  mouth,  and  subsequently 
died  ;  the  lieutenant-colonel  and  adjutant  were  both 
killed  outright  ;  and  fully  half  the  men  were  killed  or 
mortally  wounded. 

That  fatality  was  all  the  more  distressing  because  it 
easily  could  have  been  prevented.  If  only  a  few  men 
had  been  deployed  on  the  left  flank  of  these  two  advanc 
ing  reinments,  the  concealed  Confederates  would  have 


I 
I 
I 


K 


u 


_J                                                                X  X  £i 

tt                                                                       X  X  X  K 

X  X  Z  * 

S                                                X  X  S  £ 


LU  uJ 

L.  Q 

2  t 

0  7 

^  O 


HEDGE  ANDTPEES 


CONFEDERATE 
INFANTRY  BEHIND  xxxxxxxxxxx 

><  x  x  x  x  x  x  x  x  x  x 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  145 

been  discovered  and  the  slaughter  prevented. 

The  accompanying  diagram,  which  was  furnished  to 
the  adjutant  by  one  of  the  wounded  Confederates,  will 
make  the  matter  perfectly  clear. 

As  will  be  seen,  the  Confederate  troops  that  were  in 
ambush  at  the  left  had  (lie  Twenty-sixth  Connecticut 
completely  at  its  mercy. 

We  may  add,  too,  that  if  the  general  plan  of  this  cam 
paign  had  not  miscarried,  the  fatality  of  these  troops 
and  other  losses  incurred  while  moving  up  the  Teche 
country  would  have  been  prevented. 

The  intention  of  General  Banks  appears  to  have  been 
to  capture  the  entire  Confederate  force  at  some  point 
near  the  town  of  Franklin  ;  and  except  for  somebody's 
trick  or  blunder  this  could  have  been  easily  done. 

The  facts  are  these:  On  the  tenth  of  April,  as  we  have 
seen,  Generals  AVeitzel  and  Emory  had  crossed  the 
bayou  from  Brashear  City  to  Berwick  Bay,  and  on  the 
eleventh  began  their  march  towards  Franklin. 

AVeitzel  was  to  keep  well  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy, 
while  Emory  was  to  flank  him  on  the  left.  Meanwhile, 
as  already  suggested  Grover,  by  a  quick  and  unsus 
pected  move,  was  to  cross  the  bayou  at  a  point  above 
the  enemy  and  cut  off  his  retreat  north.  But  owing  to 
some  misdirection,  Grover  had  moved  his  division  to  an 
unfordable  place  on  the  bayou,  and  therefore  had  to 
countermarch  before  crossing  it.  Those  unfortunate  and 
needless  movements  and  delays  enabled  the  enemy  to 
discover  the  intention  of  Grover,  and  before  he  reached 
Franklin  where  he  was  to  co-operate  with  the  other 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KKGTMKNT 

divisions,  the  Confederates  were  quietly  and  safely  re 
treating  towards  New  Iberia,  fighting  while  on  the  way, 
and  doing  our  troops  all  the  damage  they  could. 

The  accompanying  diagram  will  aid  the  reader  in 
following  the  movements  we  have  been  describing  : 

After  the  three  divisions  under  AVeitzel,  Emory,  and 
Grover  had  formed  a  junction  they  followed  the  retreat 
ing  Confederates  as  far  as  Opelousas,  about  one  hundred 
and  fifteen  miles  north  of  Berwick,  at  which  place  Gen 
eral  Banks'  army  went  into  camp  from  April  twentieth 
to  May  fifth,  or  in  other  words,  they  went  into  the  busi 
ness  of  giving  assistance  and  protection  to  those  who 
were  gathering  cotton,  sugar,  and  molasses,  and  ship 
ping  them  to  Brashear  City  and  New  Orleans. 

That  doubtless  was  a  legitimate  business,  but  whether 
our  troops  should  have  been  delayed  for  such  a  purpose 
is  a  grave  question. 

An  order  of  not  a  little  rhetorical  merit  issued  by 
General  Banks  at  that  date  will  be  of  interest  to  our 
readers,  and  is  such,  perhaps,  as  will  justify  a  departure 
from  the  design  we  set  forth  in  the  preface  namely  that 
we  would  not  take  the  reader's  time  to  give  in  this  his 
tory  the  text  in  full  of  the  various  army  orders  issued: 


HEADQUARTERS   DEPARTMENT    OF    THE} 

NEAR  VKRMII.UONVII^K,  April  19,  1863. 
GENERAL  ORDER  No.  28. 

The  morning  salute  celebrates  the  anniversary  of  the  battles  of  Lexing 
ton  and  Concord  in  1775,  and  the  assault  upon  American  troops  at  Balti 
more  in  1861.  The  day  is  consecrated  to  union  and  liberty.  Soldiers,  you 
have  exhibited  your  devotion  to  its  hallowed  memories  and  the  principles 
it  represents.  In  peace  you  contributed  in  every  professional  and  indus 
trial  pursuit  to  the  prosperity  and  power  which  gave  a  world-wide  renown 
to  the  American  states.  In  war  you  have  learned  to  endure  fatigue, 


INTENDED  POSITION 

GROVERS  Dsv. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  149 

suffered  deprivations,  conquered  difficulties,  and  achieved  victories.  In 
three  months  you  have  become  soldiers  ;  you  have  defeated  the  enemy, 
dispersing  his  army  and  destroying  his  navy.  In  twenty  days  you  have 
marched  three  hundred  miles,  fought  four  engagements,  expelled  him 
from  his  fortifications,  driven  him  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet  from  Bei- 
wick  City  to  Opelousas,  captured  ten  guns  and  two  thousand  prisoners,  in 
cluding  some  of  his  best  officers  of  all  arms,  and  made  the  reorganization 
of  his  forces  for  the  present  impossible,  by  depriving  him  of  all  the 
material  resources  of  war,  destroying  his  foundries,  and  demolishing  his 
salt  works,  that  for  two  years  have  sustained  the  life  of  the  Confederacy. 

The  navy  of  the  Gulf  shares  in  the  honors  of  the  campaign.  It  has 
encountered  and  dispersed  the  fleet  of  the  enemy,  and  sunk  the  One  en  of 
the  West.  To-day  it  will  reduce  the  fortifications  at  Butte  a  la  Rose  and 
open  the  Atchafalaya  to  the  Red  river  and  Cortableu  to  Washington,  of 
Louisiana. 

Let  us  be  grateful  to  Him  who  giveth  us  the  victory  and  true  to  the 
cause  we  defend. 

New  glories  are  before  us.  The  army  of  the  Gulf  will  command  the 
attention  of  the  people,  and  every  eye  will  be  fastened  upon  its  move 
ments.  Let  us  be  true  to  the  flag  we  bear,  and  remember  that  "  to  defy 
danger  is  to  drive  it  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy." 

By  command  of  MAjOR-GENKRAiv  BANKS. 
RICHARD  B.  IRWIX,  A.  A.  G. 

Prior  to  these  movements  up  the  Teche  country  there 
had  been  communications  between  Generals  Grant  and 
Banks  as  to  a  co-operation  of  the  two  armies  in  the 
reduction  of  Port  Hudson  and  Vicksburg  and  the  clear 
ing  of  the  river  between  these  two  points. 

Those  measures  had  been  strenuously  urged  by  the 
authorities  at  Washington,  General  Halleck  being 
especially  emphatic  in  the  expression  of  his  desire  to 
have  the  two  armies  operate  in  conjunction.  But  owing 
to  the  detention  of  our  troops  at  Opelousas,  and  also  in 
consequence  of  a  lack  of  detiniteness  in  some  of  the 
verbal  dispatches  and  by  reason  of  delays  in  the  trans 
mission  of  some  of  the  written  ones,  the  proposed  scheme 
fell  through  and  Grant  kept  all  his  troops  at  Yicksburg 
and  Banks  was  left  to  mampuvre  his  as  best  he  could. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

CAPTURE  OF   FORT  BURTON,  AT  BUTTE  A   LA   ROSE. 

THE  territory  lying  west  of  the  Mississippi  and  south 
of  Opelousas,  called  the  "paradise  of  the  south," 
sometimes  "the  garden  of  the  south1'  together 
with  its  numerous  waterways,  had  been  looked  upon  as 
valuable  fields  of  conquest  for  the  Union  Army, 

As  early  as  October  of  the  previous  year,  1802,  Gen 
eral  Butler  litted  out  an  expedition  to  secure  control,  if 
possible,  of  that  part  of  Louisiana. 

A  fleet  of  five  vessels  sailed  from  New  Orleans,  entered 
Atchafalaya  Bay,  followed  up  the  bayou  or  river  bearing 
the  same  name,  and  entered  Bayou  Teche. 

'For  the  purpose  of  co-operating  with  this  fleet,  General 
AVeit/el  with  five  regiments  at  the  same  time  crossed 
the  Mississippi  at  Donaldsonville,  and  after  two  or  three 
battles  with  the  Confederates  reached  Brashear. 

Hut  the  country  was  found  to  be  so  well  defended  and 
there  were  so  many  obstacles  pi-eventing  the  navigation 
of  Bayous  Teche  and  Atchafalaya  that  those  under 
takings  for  the  subjugation  of  the  Confederates  in  that 
section  of  the  state  were  for  the  time  abandoned. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  lf)l 

General  Butler  a  few  weeks  later  was  superseded  by 
General  Banks  who  after  taking  command  of  the  army 
was  equally  impressed  with  the  desirableness,  if  not 
necessity,  of  occupying  that  important  territory  ;  accord 
ingly  late  in  the  month  of  January  he  organized  two 
expeditions,  one  under  General  Weitzel  with  four  thous 
and  men,  which  was  to  move  up  the  Teche  country  from 
Berwick,  and  the  other  under  General  Emory  with  three 
thousand  men  to  move  up  the  Atchafalaya  from  the 
same  place.  They  were  ordered  to  operate  in  conjunc 
tion,  and  capture  Fort  Bin-ton  at  Butte  a  la  Hose  and 
destroy  its  fortifications. 

But  owing  to  difficulties  in  securing  suitable  transpor 
tation,  and  owing  to  the  supposed  strength  of  the  forti 
fications  at  Butte  a  la  Kose  and  the  number  of  the 
garrison,  that  expedition  likewise  was  abandoned. 

But  now  that  our  troops  were  advancing  up  the  Teche 
country  it  became  necessary  to  undertake  again  the 
project  that  had  been  twice  abandoned,  namely,  the 
clearing  of  the  Atchafalaya  of  all  Confederates  and  if 
possible  the  capturing  of  Butte  a  la  Hose  ;  for  while  the 
enemy  held  that  point  not  only  was  our  advancing  army 
imperilled,  but  there  would  be  uninterrupted  naviga 
tion  for  the  Confederates  between  lied  river  and  Brashear 
City,  which  if  possible  should  be  pi-evented. 

In  the  adjutant's  journal  is  this  note,  dated  April 
fifteenth  :  ktThe  intermations  are  that  our  regiment  will 
garrison  this  place  [Brashear  until  our  term  of  enlist 
ment  expires." 

But  on  the   morning  of  April   eighteenth,  three  days 


152          HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 

later,  we  received  orders  to  put  the  regiment  in  readi 
ness  for  marching  at  a  moment's  notice.  Accordingly, 
at  noon  we  were  relieved  by  the  Fourth  Massachusetts. 

Our  regiment  without  delay  was  organized  into  a 
battalion  of  six  companies. 

Company  officers  who  were  able  to  report  for  duty 
were  assigned  command  according  to  their  rank,  in  this 
new  organization. 

Meantime,  the  boys  were  busy  preparing  their  outfit. 
They  were  ordered  to  supply  themselves  with  one 
day's  rations  and  one  hundred  rounds  of  ammunition. 

When  the  order  came  to  ''fall  in"  they  were  ready 
and  inarched  to  the  pier,  whence  they  were  to  depart  on 
an  important,  and  what  was  considered  perilous  mis 
sion.  The  other  four  companies,  being  on  detached 
duty,  from  which  they  could  not  then  be  relieved,  were 
to  follow  a  few  days  later. 

We  were  distributed  on  four  gunboats  that  had 
received  orders  tk  to  proceed  up  Bayou  Atchafalaya  to 
clear  it  of  obstructions  and  of  Confederate  gunboats, 
and  to  make  an  attack  on  "Butte  a  la  Rose."  If  the  at 
tack  proved  successful,  the  Sixteenth  was  to  be  left  to 
garrison  and  defend  it. 

The  fleet,  consisting  of  the  gunboats  Clifton,  Arizona. 
Calhoun,  and  Estrella,  was  under  the  command  of  A. 
P.  Cook.  The  major  and  adjutant  were  assigned  duty 
on  the  Arizona,  the  courage  and  brilliancy  of  whose 
commander  already  were  Avell  known;  the  lieutenant- 
colonel  was  with  Commander  Cook  on  the  Exlrelld. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  whole  country  for 


J/4CK50N 

Sr.  FRANCISVILLE 


BRID&E 
VERMIILAIONVILLE 

5T.\MAR(TINSVILLE 


mti 

/ERMILLION   BAY   '"^ff(  (I 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  155 

fifty  miles  west  of  the  Mississippi,  including,  therefore, 
the  territory  of  which  we  are  now  speaking,  is  covered 
with  countless  bayous,  lakes,  rivers,  and  swamps  that 
cross  and  connect  with  one  another,  many  of  them 
during  the  season  of  high  water  being  easily  navigable 
for  boats  of  considerable  draught. 

At  the  time  of  which  we  are  writing,  the  Atchafalaya 
was  navigable  from  the  gulf  of  Mexico  to  Red  river, 
and  as  suggested,  Butte  a  la  Hose  was  the  key  to  those 
various  connecting  bodies  of  water  and  to  the  entire 
country  lying  between  Opelousas  and  Port  Hudson  on 
the  north,  to  the  (-full*  of  Mexico  on  the  south,  to  the 
Mississippi  on  the  east,  and  to  the  Teche  country  on  the 
west. 

The  accompanying  map  gives  an  idea  of  the  number 
of  the  larger  and  navigable  bayous  in  the  part  of  Louisi 
ana  of  which  we  are  speaking  ;  but  aside  from  those 
there  were  numberless  smaller  ones. 

In  sailing  up  the  Atchafalaya  and  across  its  chain  of 
lakes  and  connecting  bayous,  nothing  eventful  happened 
during  the  first  day,  which  was  April  eighteenth.  Just 
before  dark  on  the  evening  of  that  day,  near  the  head 
of  Grand  Lake,  the  flag  boat.  Exir<'U<i,  signalled  the 
others  that  they  were  to  tie  up  for  the  night.  She  alone 
cast  anchor,  the  others  as  a  precautionary  and  utility 
measure  were  moored  to  her  by  hemp  hawsers.  Should 
there  be,  as  was  somewhat  expected,  a  night  attack  from 
the  Confederate  gunboats,  which  were  just  above  us, 
the  hawsers  easily  could  be  slipped  and  the  boats 
quickly  brought  into  position  for  action. 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    RE(tI3I  ENT 

At  nine  o'clock,  as  an  additional  precaution,  every 
light  on  the  boats  was  extinguished  or  shaded  ;  but  the 
night  passed  without  anything  of  importance  transpiring. 

At  daybreak  we  were  moving  and  early  passed  through 
Chene  bayou  into  a  lake  of  the  same  name.  The  country 
was  found  everywhere  flooded,  in  consequence  of  un 
usual  high  water,  caused,  it  was  said,  by  cuts  in  the  Miss 
issippi  that  Grant  had  made  in  his  effort  to  capture 
Yicksburg. 

The  scenery  along  the  margin  of  that  bayou,  as  had 
been  that  along  the  shores  of  Grand  Lake  and  other 
bayous  the  day  before,  was  monotonous  and  uninspiring. 
The  heavy  foliage  of  the  trees,  the  immense  growth  of 
moss,  the  dense  undergrowth  of  vines,  brushwood  and 
saplings  afforded  the  fittest  place  in  the  world  for  tkthe 
slimy  pathway"  of  moccasin  and  rattle  snakes  and  for 
the  stealthy  creeping  of  numberless  alligators,  turtles 
and  other  reptiles,  but  was  a  miserable  enough  place  for 
men  whose  birthplace  had  been  on  the  shores  of  the 
transparent  streams  and  lakes  and  among  the  granite 
mountains  of  New  Hampshire. 

The  vaporous  atmosphere  and  tropical  cloud-drapery 
of  that  section  of  Louisiana,  apart  from  their  novelty, 
were  after  the  first  few7  hours  quite  destitute  of  interest. 

Tn  the  advance  the  gunboat  Clifton,  was  in  the  lead, 
but  at  nine  o'clock  she  met  with  an  accident  by  running 
into  a  tree  and  dropped  back  for  repairs.  The  Arizona 
meanwhile  took  the  lead.  Near  noon,  being  within  two 
miles  of  Butte  a  la  Hose,  she  was  made  fast  to  a  tree  and 
we  waited  anxiously  for  the  coining  of  the  rest  of  the 


W^~^!f 
F* 


A   GLIMPSH   OF   GRAND    LAKE. 


JSTEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  159 

fleet  that  had  been  detained  by  reason  of  the  accident  to 
the  Clifton. 

Commander  Upton  Avas  desirous  of  making  an  attack 
on  Butte  a  la  Rose  alone,  and  most  of  our  men  were 
willing  if  not  over-anxions  that  he  should  do  this.  But 
his  orders  from  the  cautious  yet  generous-hearted  Cap 
tain  Cook  were  explicit  ;  he  must,  therefore,  await  the 
coming  of  the  other  boats.  As  they  did  not  put  in  an 
appearance,  the  Arizona,  late  in  the  afternoon,  dropped 
down  the  bayou,  but  in  doing  so  became  unmanageable  ; 
a  strong  current  swung  her  against  a  tree  and  smashed 
the  wheel-house. 

At  length,  in  a  somewhat  dilapidated  condition,  she 
reached  the  remainder  of  the  fleet  at  the  head  of  Lake 
Chene.  Here  the  boats  were  moored  for  the  night  in  a 
manner  similar  to  that  of  the  night  before. 

The  chief  matters  of  interest  during  the  day  were  the 
difficulties  of  navigating  the  tortuous  bayous,  the  shoot 
ing  of  two  of  our  gunners  by  Confederate  guerrillas,  who 
were  concealed  somewhere  in  the  swamp  and  behind  the 
trees,  and  the  taking  of  two  prisoners  who  were  in 
citi/en's  dress,  rather  poor  at  that,  and  who  were  ques 
tioned  and  cross-questioned,  but  the  information  gained 
was  of  no  material  value. 

One  of  the  men,  who  claimed  to  be  a  Unionist  (of  this, 
however,  there  was  some  doubt),  after  assuring  Captain 
Upton  of  his  perfect  loyalty  and  thorough  acquaintance 
with  tlie  entire  country,  was  taken  into  the  wheel-house 
to  assist  in  piloting  the  boat. 

At  daybreak,  April    twentieth,  the   boats  were   again 


160  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMEXT 

freed  from  their  moorings  and  started  up  the  narrow 
bayou,  the  Arizona  this  time  being  in  the  lead. 

Coming  within  sight  of  the  fort  at  Butte  a  la  Rose, 
she  dropped  back  by  order  of  Captain  Cook,  and  the 
Clifton,  under  command  of  Captain  Frederic  Crocker, 
having  by  far  the  heavier  armament,  led  the  fleet. 

Everybody  then  was  in  a  state  of  expectancy.  The 
guns  of  the  fort  and  those  of  the  two  Confederate  boats 
were  trained  on  our  slowly  advancing  fleet.  AVe 
moved  cautiously  for  no  one  knew  but  the  Confederates 
had  placed  in  the  bayou  dangerous  obstructions  and 
explosives.  We  were  in  danger,  also,  or  at  least  felt 
we  were,  of  being  picked  oft'  by  sharpshooters  concealed 
among  the  trees  skirting  both  sides  of  the  bayou,  who 
had  wounded  one  and  killed  another  of  our  gunners  the 
day  before. 

At  ten  o'clock  the  "ball  opened"  with  a  hundred 
pounder  from  a  Parrott  gun  on  the  bows  of  the  Clifton. 
From  that  moment  the  work  was  lively  on  both  sides. 
The  reverberations  of  the  larger  guns  among  those  dense 
forests  skirting  the  narrow  channel  were  deafening.  The 
rapid  discharge  of  muskets,  too,  showed  that  our  boys 
were  doing  in  earnest  their  part  in  the  assault  on  the 
enemy's  works. 

The  Clifton  concentrated  her  fire  upon  the  Confederate 
gunboats,  while  the  Arizona  brought  her  guns  to  bear 
on  the  fort.  Captain  Crocker,  hearing  the  port  guns  of 
the  Arizona  and  knowing  that  she  Avould  take  care  of 
the  fort  without  his  help,  began  a  chase  up  the 
bavou  after  the  retiring  Confederates.  Meantime,  both 


Near  Bntte  a  la  Rose;     Rrshwhackers  Firing   on  Federal  Transports. 


XEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  1G1 

the  Clifton,  and  Arizona  sent  their  broadsides  of  grape 
from  the  starboard  guns  into  the  forests  to  keep  in  check 
any  lurking  guerrillas  that  might  be  concealed  there. 
Shell,  grape,  and  spherical  case  were  flying  in  every 
direction  where  an  enemy  was  likely  to  be  concealed, 
though  the  fort  and  Confederate  gunboats  received  far 
the  larger  part  of  our  attention. 

AVhile  in  close  quarters  with  the  enemy,  a  well-aimed 
solid  shot  from  the  fort  struck  the  walking  beam  of  the 
Clifton.  She  was  thought  at  first  to  be  completely  dis 
abled,  but  fortunately  this  was  not  the  case.  That  was 
the  last  shot  of  the  enemy.  Under  our  rapid  and  close 
tiring,  the  Confederates  could  not  reload  their  heavier 
guns,  and  soon  we  saw  their  flag  pulled  down  and  a 
white  flag,  or  rather  rag,  raised  in  its  place. 

The  (Jalltoini  and  the  Estrella  next  came  into  position  ; 
but  all  that  was  left  for  them  to  do  was  to  take  formal 
possession  of  the  fort. 

The  Clifton  and  Arizona,  without  waiting  for  orders, 
started  in  pursuit  of  the  two  Confederate  boats,  the 
Wd)l)  and  Mary  77.,  which  soon  after  the  attack  began, 
had  taken  flight.  But  within  twenty  minutes  they  mys 
teriously  were  lost  from  view,  excepting  the  smoke  they 
left  behind.  Our  shells  were  sent  after  them  and  an 
occasional  broadside  was  discharged  into  the  forests  in 
reply  to  the  sharpshooters  who  now  and  then  sent  us 
their  greetings  in  the  shape  of  Minie  balls  without,  how 
ever,  doing  oil]-  boat  much  damage. 

Those  concealed  enemies  were  especially  dreaded  by 
both  our  boys  and  the  marines.  Even  the  fearless  Upton 


1G2  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

was  seen  involuntarily  to  duck  his  head  as  the  crack  of 
the  ritie  was  heard  and  the  bullets  went  whistling  past 
him.  Those  "swamp  devils,"  as  the  boys  called  them, 
took  their  stand  behind  some  huge  log  or  tree  or  among 
its  branches,  fired  their  deadly  rifles  and  the  next 
moment  were  in  perfect  hiding. 

The  Clifton,  being  somewhat  disabled,  soon  gave  np 
the  chase,  but  the  Arizona  continued  until  we  were 
twelve  miles  up  the  bayou,  beyond  Butte  a  la  Rose,  and 
still  nothing  but  the  smoke  of  the  Confederate  boats 
could  be  seen,  which  were  then  sailing  well  to  the  west 
of  us. 

Soon  it  dawned  upon  Captain  Upton  that  we  had  been 
fooled  by  that  tall,  lank  Louisiana  (Yankee)  whom  we 
had  taken  on  board  the  day  before,  who  pretended  to  be 
a  Unionist,  who  appeared  to  be  honest  as  the  days  were 
long,  who  claimed  to  know  thoroughly  every  waterway 
in  the  state,  who  was  allowed  to  pilot  us,  and  who  con 
fessed  at  length,  that  a  bad  mistake  had  been  made,  but 
that  he  was  entirely  innocent. 

AVe  believe,  however,  what  he  did  was  a  very  clever 
scheme  attempted  and  carried  out  to  prevent  the 
capture  of  the  Confederate  boats.  This  man  had 
allowed  himself  to  be  taken  prisoner  the  day  before 
by  the  foremost  boat  of  the  fleet,  judging,  no  doubt, 
that  it  would  also  lead  in  the  pursuit  of  the  Con 
federate  boats  if  they  were  compelled  to  take  flight 
during  the  light  at  Fort  Burton.  In  this  he  had  judged 
correctly.  The  Arizona  was  the  fastest  boat  in  the  fleet 
and  had  taken  the  lead.  As  the  Wd>l>  and  Mary  T. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    yoLTNTEERS.  165 

sailed  up  the  bayou  under  cover  of  smoke  they  passed 
into  a  narrow  channel  that  turned  sharply  to  the  left, 
Avhile  the  Arizona,  which  quickly  followed,  kept  on  in 
what  appeared  to  be  the  main  channel,  but  really  was 
not.  The  channel  taken  by  the  Confederates  was  the 
main  one,  while  the  one  taken  by  us  was  Bayou  Ala 
bama,  an  unimportant  stream,  which  after  meandering 
for  several  miles  and  becoming  unnavigable,  reaches 
again  Bayou  Atchafalaya. 

At  last  the  Rebel  reported  to  the  captain  that  owing  to 
shoal  water  he  could  go  no  further.  This  was  true, 
though  the  other  things  said  by  him  we  think  were  lies. 
AVe  now  had  lost  so  much  time  that  we  could  not  return 
to  the  point  of  depaiture  and  renew  the  pursuit  of  the 
Confederate  boats,  which  already  were  miles  away. 

After  putting  our  lately  self-constituted  pilot  under 
arrest,  Captain  Upton  regretfully  headed  his  boat  for 
Butte  a  la  Rose.  On  the  way  down  we  landed  on  a 
plantation  belonging  to  a  Confederate,  Davis  by  name, 
who  had  been  a  banker  in  Xew  Orleans,  but  wras  then 
serving  in  the  treasury  department  of  the  Confederacy 
in  Richmond.  His  estate,  one  of  the  few  then  out  of 
water,  furnished  excellent  foraging  ground.  There  were 
fowl,  sheep,  small  cattle,  swine,  articles  of  household 
furniture,  guns,  and  other  useful  articles  that  were  ap 
propriated  without  restrictions,  for  Banks'  headquarters 
were  now  far  away,  and  his  staff  officers  could  no  longer 
forbid  the  execution  of  international  military  foraging 
laws. 

On  reaching  Port  Burton  we  landed  and  took  possession 


100  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    RJEGIMEJSff 

of  better  barracks  than  we  had  seen  since  our  enlistment. 
They  were  more  roomy  and  more  substantially  built 
than  those  at  Concord,  or  than  those  in  New  York. 

There  wrere  sixty  Confederates,  including  five  com 
missioned  officers,  who  were  made  prisoners.  Under 
guard  of  men  detailed  from  Company  A,  Lieutenant 
Cooper  commanding,  those  prisoners  were  sent  to 
Algiers. 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  stupidity  or  perfidy  of  our 
pilot,  we  certainly  should  have  overtaken  and  captured 
the  two  Confederate  gunboats,  that  afterwards  caused  us 
no  little  annoyance  ;  and  also  we  should  have  taken  a 
much  larger  number  of  prisoners,  for  according  to  the 
reports  of  contrabands  who  had  witnessed  the  flight,  the 
two  boats  were  crowded  with  those  who  had  garrisoned 
Butte  a  la  Rose,  the  larger  part  of  whom  were  young 
business  and  professional  men  from  New  Orleans — k*  the 
flower  of  the  city''  it  was  said. 

We  ought,  however,  to  have  been  satisfied.  We  had 
lost  but  two  men  killed  and  two  wounded,  and  those 
were  gunners,  and  w7e  had  captured  Fort  Burton,  the 
most  strategic;  point  north  of  Berwick  Bay  and  south  of 
Red  river.  But  for  our  boys  it  was  to  be  an  expensive 
capture.  Its  Confederate  commander,  as  we  stepped 
upon  the  parapet,  made  a  significant  remark  to  one  of 
our  officers  : 

"You  are  doubtless  glad  to  get  heie,  but  you  will  be 
gladder  when  you  leave." 

No  prophet  of  early  or  late  times  ever  has  offered  a 
truer  prediction. 


CHAPTER     IX. 

DETACHED     SERVICE. 
I.       SERVICE    KEXDEREI)    15  Y    COMPANY    C. 

TIIK  captain  of  the  Arizona,  of  whom  we  already 
have  spoken,  I).  P.  Upton,  the  son  of  one  of 
the  "royal  merchants"  of  Boston,  Mass.,  is  en 
titled  to  more  words  of  praise  than  we  have  space  here 
to  give,  but  we  cannot  refrain  from  saying  that  he  had 
a  heart  brave  as  that  of  a  lion,  and  yet  was  at  all  times 
a  courteous  gentleman  except  to  cowards,  and  in  the 
thickest  of  a  fight  was  always  conspicuously  present  and 
at  all  times  perfectly  composed. 

He  had  studied  our  boys  on  the  way  up  the  Atchafa- 
laya,  saw  their  metal  when  under  fire  during  the  fight 
and  capture  of  Fort  Burton,  and  asked  for  a  detachment 
of  the  Sixteenth  to  accompany  him  while  opening  the 
Atchafalaya  to  the  Mississippi.  Accordingly,  a  part,  of 
Company  C,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Edward  J. 
O'Donnell,  was  detailed  to  go  with  this  expedition. 

The  Arizona  sailed  up  the  bayou  on  the  forenoon  of 
April  twenty-eight,  and  three  days  later,  May  first, 
joined  Farragut's  fleet  on  the  Mississippi,  above  Port 


170  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Hudson.  May  third,  a  part  of  the  Meet,  including  the 
Arizona,  started  up  lied  river  to  Alexandria,  but  on 
account  of  obstructions  at  I)e  Russie  and  because  of  an 
attack  from  masked  batteries,  the  senior  commander, 
the  captain  of  the  Australia,  ordered  the  Meet  to  with 
draw. 

It  turned  out  afterwards  that  the  Confederates  had 
ordered  an  evacuation  of  their  works  and  under  cover  of 
smoke,  at  the  very  time  our  boats  withdrew,  were  spik 
ing  their  heavier  guns  and  rolling  the  smaller  ones  into 
the  river.  The  Confederate  gunboat  Mary  T.,  loaded 
witli  cotton,  had  been  set  on  fire,  and  the  Wd)l>  in  the 
fight  had  been  disabled.  A  little  more  perseverance  or 
persistence  would  have  secured  a  notable  victory,  instead 
of  one  that  is  hardly  worth  the  mention. 

Re-enforced  by  some  of  Admiral  Porter's  rams,  which 
had  run  the  fortifications  at  Yicksburg,  the  fleet  returned 
the  next  day  to  T)e  Russie,  meeting,  however,  no 
opposition. 

The  Arizona,  then  proceeded  to  Alexandria,  reaching 
there  nearly  twenty -four  hours  in  advance  of  the  other 
boats,  and  our  men  of  the  Sixteenth  had  the  satisfaction 
and  honor  of  raising  the  United  States  nag  in  that  city, 
in  the  face  and  eyes  of  Confederate  citizens  and  within 
sight  of  a  company  of  Confederate  cavalry,  who  were 
too  many  for  our  few  men  to  capture. 

A  few  days  later  the  Arizona  sailed  for  Harrisburgh 
which  is  on  Bcruff  river,  one  of  the  tributaries  of  Red 
river,  and  for  two  days.  May  tenth  and  eleventh,  our 
men  were  under  lire  at  Fort  Beauregard.  l>ut  that  fort 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  171 

was  so  well  defended  and  admirably  located  that  it  could 
not  be  taken,  except  by  a  land  force  of  considerable 
numbers,  and  therefore  the  fleet  returned  to  Alexandria 
May  twelfth. 

They  were  those  detached  men  of  onr  regiment,  too, 
who  formed  an  escort  for  General  Dwight,  May  sixteenth 
to  twenty-second,  at  the  time  he  went  to  Grand  Gulf, 
Miss.,  to  carry  despatches  and  to  hold  a  conference  with 
General  Grant. 

After  their  return,  they  were  assigned  provost  guard 
duty  at  St.  Francisville.  A  little  later  important  des 
patches  between  the  staff  officers  of  General  Grant  and 
those  of  General  Banks  were  carried  under  the  escort  of 
our  men. 

It  will  be  conceded  that  this  detachment  of  Company 
(J,  during  its  brief  absence  from  the  regiment,  performed 
a  great  variety  of  important  services  and  from  all  reports 
it  is  evident  that  those  services  were  rendered  in  a 
thoroughly  satisfactory  manner.  The  detachment  left 
the  regiment  April  twenty-eighth,  and  returned  June 
fourteenth.  [ 

II.     SERVICE     RENDERED     BY     COMPANY     G. 

As  already  stated,  the  country  surrounding  Fort  Bur 
ton  and  up  and  down  the  Atchafalaya  was  occupied  and 
scoured  by  Rebel  guerrillas  who  were  ready  at  all  times 
to  fall  upon  any  lone  detachments  of  the  Union  army, 
and  who  were  constantly  firing  upon  unarmed  trans 
ports  passing  up  or  down  the  river. 

1  The  author  is  indebted  for  these  facts  largely  to  Comrade  Holt,  who 
was  with  the  detachment. 


172  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     RE(HMEXT 

Not  many  days  after  our  arrival  at  Butte  a  la  Rose, 
the  steamer  Lo-uixiana  Belle  on  the  way  down  the  river, 
having  on  board  a  large  number  of  sick  and  wounded 
soldiers  who  were  being  taken  to  the  hospitals  of  New 
Orleans,  called  at  Fort  Burton  for  assistance,  having 
been  fired  upon  a  few  miles  above.  The  captain  of  the 
boat  was  mortally  wounded. 

Tliis  act  of  the  Confederates  that  seemed  to  our  men 
dastardly  and  cowardly  roused  their  indignation,  and  the 
captain  of  Company  G,  George  W.  Bosworth,  anticipating 
that  the  next  boat  coming  up  the  Atchafalaya  would  call 
at  Fort  Burton  for  a  detachment  of  soldiers  to  assist  in  de 
fending  the  boat,  went  immediately  to  regimental  head 
quarters  and  asked  the  privilege  of  performing  such  serv 
ice  if  it  were  required.  On  May  thirtieth,  the  anticipated 
requisition  was  made,  and  Captain  Bosworth  received 
orders  to  go  on  board  the  steamer  Union  with  all  the 
available  men  of  his  company.  Quite  a  number  of  the 
company  had  been  sent  to  the  hospital  and  several  were 
on  picket  duty,  so  that  there  were  but  twenty-eight  who 
could  respond  to  the  call.  The  remainder  of  the  account 
of  this  expedition  will  be  given  in  the  words  of  Captain 
Bosworth  : 

"There  was  a  large  quantity  of  bags  of  oats  at  Fort 
Burton,  which  were  taken  on  board  the  steamer  and 
utilized  as  a  breastwork  on  the  lower  deck  in  the 
rear  of  the  boat. 

"  The  pilot  house  was  protected  by  seven-inch  square 
timbers,  and  sheets  of  boiler  iron  with  portholes  cut 
through  them.  We  wrere  ready  to  start  at  half  past 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  173 

twelve  o'clock,  Sunday  morning,  May  twenty-fourth, 
and  proceeded  up  the  river  or  bayou,  intending  to  go  as 
far  as  Simmesport.  Here  we  expected  to  disembark  and 
return  to  the  regiment  on  the  next  boat  downriver. 

ik  When  we  arrived  at  Simmesport  about  dark  Sunday 
night,  the  place  which  had  been  held  by  a  detachment 
from  Banks'  army,  we  found  to  our  great  disappoint 
ment  to  have  been  abandoned  on  that  very  day,  the 
troops  having  proceeded  to  join  the  main  body  of  the 
army  in  the  investment  of  Port  Hudson. 

"The  liebels  who  were  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
Simmesport  we  expected  would  enter  the  place  probably 
by  daylight  the  next  morning.  We  took  in  the  situation, 
and  not  caring  to  see  the  inside  of  "Rebel  prisons,  we 
pursued  the  only  safe  course  left  for  us,  which  was  to 
stay  on  board  the  steamer  that  night. 

"  But  the  next  day  the  boat  was  ordered  to  proceed  up 
the  Atchafalaya,  into  the  mouth  of  Red  river,  thence  down 
Old  river  to  Bayou  Sara,  twelve  miles  above  Port  Hud 
son.  There  was  nothing  for  us  to  do  except  to  go  with 
her. 

"A  portion  of  the  main  army  already  had  crossed  over 
and  proceeded  down  to  invest  Port  Hudson. 

"The  first  duty  of  the  commander  of  Company  (I  was 
to  report  to  the  ranking  officer  in  the  place,  how  many 
men  he  had,  how  he  came  to  be  there,  etc.  The  officer 
in  command  was  Colonel  Hollabird  of  General  Hanks' 
staff.  The  first  question  lie  asked,  was  this:  'What 
kind  of  men  have  you  I  Will  they  get  drunk  C  My 
answer  was  prompt :  'As  good  men  as  were  ever  born 


174  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIUEXT 

and  brought  up  in  the  old  Granite  State.  They  will 
neither  steal  nor  get  drunk/  'Yon  and  your  men  are 
just  what  I  want  here  now.  This  is  a  terrible  rebellious 
place  and  is  full  of  Rebel  women,  who  convey  all  infor 
mation  possible  to  our  enemies.  The  business  portion 
of  the  town  on  the  river  has  been  burned,  as  you  will 
see.  There  are  dwelling-houses  a  little  farther  back 
from  the  river  ;  go  and  select  any  house  you  want  that  is 
not  occupied.  Make  your  requisition  for  rations  and  I 
Avill  approve  it.  Make  your  men  as  comfortable  as  you 
can  and  I  will  give  you  plenty  of  work  to  do,  keeping 
order.' 

"  The  first  thing  we  attended  to  was  to  find  a  house 
that  was  fairly  well  supplied  with  water.  We  found  one 
that  had  two  huge  cisterns,  half  or  two-thirds  full  of 
rain-water,  which  canie  off  the  house  ;  they  stood  be 
tween  the  main  house  and  the  cook-house.  This  was  a 
big  find  for  our  boys,  for  we  had  not  known  for  weeks 
what  it  was  to  have  a  drink  of  pure  water.  Here  we 
made  ourselves  as  comfortable  as  we  could  under  the 
circumstances.  We  made  our  requisitions  and  drew 
rations,  or  what  rations  we  could  draw  from  the  quarter 
master.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  Mississippi 
was  completely  blockaded  at  that  time,  which  will  ac 
count  for  the  shortness  of  our  rations.  We  drew  pork, 
coffee,  hardtack,  and  a  few  candles. 

"The  quartermaster  said:  'If  you  want  any  beef,  get 
it  yourselves.'  We  proceeded  to  do  the  same  to  our 
entire  satisfaction.  We  then  began  to  improve  the  ap 
pearance  of  our  headquarters,  by  cleaning  up  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  175 

grounds,  straightening  the  posts  and  fences,  and  leaving 
the  marks  of  Yankee  thrift  and  ingenuity  about  our 
quarters. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  second  day,  a  squad  of  twenty- 
eight  Rebel  prisoners,  taken  from  opposite  Port  Hudson 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  were  sent  to  us  for  safe 
keeping.  One  who  appeared  to  be  a  leader  among 
them,  bright,  smart,  arid  intelligent,  said  to  me  :  '  Cap 
tain,  we  are  hungry  ;  we  have  not  had  a  mouthful  to  eat 


since  morning.' 


"I  replied,  'It  is  impossible  for  me  to  draw  any 
rations  for  you  to-night,  and  all  the  rations  I  have  are 
already  issued  to  my  men.  The  food  is  theirs,  and  no 
officer  can  take  it  from  them,  but  I  will  suggest  to  them 
that  they  lend  you  of  their  rations,  enough,  at  least,  for 
your  supper,  and  to-morrow  I  will  draw  rations  and  you 
may  pay  them  back/ 

"I  made  the  suggestion,  and  to  their  credit  be  it  said 
that  every  member  of  Company  G  responded  and  said 
they  would  divide. 

"  They  sat  down,  prisoners  on  one  side  and  our  men  on 
the  other,  and  we  counted  out  our  hardtack,  measured 
out  our  coffee  and  a  portion  of  all  the  food  we  had, 
sufficient  to  give  the  Rebs,  as  good  a  supper  as  we  our 
selves  had. 

''The  next  day  1  drew  rations  for  the  prisoners,  and 
they  at  once  paid  back  with  exactness  the  food  they  had 
borrowed. 

"After  keeping  these  prisoners  under  guard  several 
days,  we  became  weary  of  performing  so  much  guard 


176  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

duty,  day  and  night,  the  prisoners  numbering  as  many 
as  ourselves,  and  besides  we  had  many  other  duties 
assigned  us,  and  therefore  we  concluded  to  place  our 
prisoners  under  lock  and  key  in  a  jail  at  St.  Francisville, 
a  mile  and  a  half  distant  ;  and  they  quite  surprised  and 
disgusted  us  by  making  requisition  for  '  a  nigger'  to  cook 
their  rations.  They  were  told  to  cook  their  rations 
themselves  or  eat  them  raw,  just  as  they  pleased,  but 
they  could  have  'no  nigger'  to  do  that  service  for  them. 

"  While  we  were  at  Bayou  Sara,  we  were  visited  by  a 
wealthy  lady,  who  begged  us  to  go  out  to  her  plantation 
about  three  miles  distant.  She  said  that  it  was  very 
humiliating  to  her  to  come  to  a  Northerner  for  help. 
Of  course  we  rendered  her  all  the  assistance  she  needed, 
and  when  we  left  she  urged  us,  as  long  as  we  remained 
in  that  vicinity,  to  come  to  her  plantation  if  we  needed 
anything  in  the  form  of  food  and  we  would  be  welcome 
to  anything  Ave  desired,  and  added  '  you  must  always  get 
the  best.' 

"One  day,  a  large  transport  steamer  landed  near  us  a 
load  of  contrabands  just  out  of  bondage  ;  she  was  literally 
black  with  human  beings,  and  we  took  them  in  charge. 

"  Tt  will  be  remembered  that  the  land  is  very  flat,  and  a 
little  noise  can,  therefore,  be  heard  a  great  way.  It  be 
ing  one  of  oiii1  duties  to  keep  order  and  quiet,  and  hear 
ing  a  good  deal  of  noise  and  loud  talking,  I  took  Ser 
geant  Jones  with  me,  and  we  soon  learned  that  a  prayer- 
meeting  was  in  progress  in  the  open  air.  We  found 
about  three  hundred  contrabands  gathered,  holding  a 
most  fervent  prayer-meeting  and  returning  thanks  to 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  171) 

God  that  they  had  been  delivered  from  bondage. 

bk  Knowing  that  they  had  a  hard  march  before  them 
the  next  day,  I  ordered  them  to  keep  quiet,  lie  down, 
and  rest.  Early  the  next  morning  many  of  them  came 
to  us  for  food.  They  numbered  in  all  about  twenty-three 
hundred.  I  do  not  believe  there  was  food  enough  among 
them  all  to  give  a  comfortable  meal  to  twenty-five.  They 
were  started  oft'  early  in  the  morning  for  Contraband  camp 
at  Baton  Kouge,  where  they  arrived  after  a  long,  hungry 
and  wearisome  march,  escorted  by  a  squadron  of  cavalry. 

"In  about  a  week  we  received  orders  to  pack  up  and 
be  ready  to  start  for  New  Orleans,  taking  the  prisoners 
with  us.  We  embarked  on  the  steamer  Union,  Avhere 
we  remained  for  several  days,  waiting  orders,  there  being- 
several  other  small  steamers  going  with  us.  The  water 
in  the  bayous  we  were  to  pass  through,  fell  so  rapidly 
that  it  was  apparent,  owing  to  this  delay,  that  we  could 
not  reach  New  Orleans  by  water.  We  were,  therefore, 
ordered  to  disembark  and  proceed  to  Port  Hudson  by 
land.  A  force  of  cavalry  was  sent  to  protect  the  teams 
and  property  which  we  took  with  us  from  Bayou  Sara. 

"  This  move  was  made  at  night,  and  we  arrived  at  Port 
Hudson  the  following  morning.  We  reported  to  Colonel 
Hollabird,  who  immediately  took  us  to  General  Banks1 
headquarters.  We  were  rigidly  questioned,  and  gave 
General  Banks  all  the  information  possible  respecting 
the  people  and  their  condition,  stating  among  many 
other  things,  that  we  had  not  seen  an  able-bodied  Rebel 
since  wTe  left  Fort  Burton,  all  such  being  in  the  Con 
federate  armv. 


180  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

"He  ordered  us  to  proceed  to  SpriDgfield  Landing  in 
the  afternoon,  thence  by  boat  to  New  Orleans.  This  we 
did,  and  delivered  over  our  prisoners  to  the  provost 
marshal  and  reported  to  the  commanding  officer,  General 
Emory.  This  was  Saturday  morning ;  we  remained 
until  Sunday,  then  returned  to  Springfield  Landing. 

"  Lieutenant  Ballon,  who  was  in  command  of  the 
balance  of  our  company,  was  to  get  together  the  men 
left  behind  and  to  proceed  to  Springfield  Landing.  1 
was  ordered  to  return  and  take  command  of  that  post. 

"  Several  of  our  men,  by  reason  of  remaining  at  Fort 
Burton,  and  being  thoroughly  poisoned  by  malaria,  were 
sent  to  the  hospital,  and  quite  a  number  of  them  died 
there.  Several  of  those  who  returned  from  Bayou  Sara, 
by  reason  of  the  hardships  of  that  expedition,  were 
prostrated  with  malarial  fever,  the  commander  of  the 
company  being  among  the  number.11 

The  historian  already  has  spoken  of  the  service  that 
the  men  of  Company  C  rendered  in  carrying  important 
despatches  between  Generals  Banks  and  Grant.  As  an 
illustration  of  what  that  kind  of  service  involved,  we 
insert  at  this  point  a  report  of  one  of  the  bearers  of  des 
patches,  who  belonged  to  Captain  Bosworth's  company. 

twlt  being  necessary,"  says  Captain  Bosworth,  "•  that 
Admiral  Farragut  should  get  despatches  through  to 
General  Banks,  who  was  then  before  Port  Hudson,  one 
of  his  staff  came  to  us  and  asked  if  we  had  one  or  twro 
trusty,  energetic,  and  strictly  reliable  young  men  who 
could  be  trusted  to  take  important  despatches  through 


JVEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUXTEEKS.  181 

in  the  night  to  Banks'  headquarters,  Sergeants  Andy 
Holt  and  Charles  J.  Wright  immediately  volunteered 
for  that  undertaking/'  The  following  is  Sergeant  Holt's 
account  "of  carrying  those  despatches  from  Bayou  Sara 
to  General  Banks'  headquarters  in  the  rear  of  Port 
Hudson." 

"We  were  on  board  the  steamer  Union,  at  the  village 
of  Bayou  Sara,  when  Captain  Bosworth  asked  for 
volunteers  to  go  with  despatches  from  Admiral  Farragut 
to  General  Banks'  headquarters,  about  fifteen  miles 
distant.  Sergeant-Major  Charles  J.  Wright  and  myself 
volunteered  for  this  service. 

"We  left  Bayou  Sara  about  nine  o'clock  p.  m.,  with 
one  horse,  and  procured  another  (in  the  ordinary  way) 
at  St.  Francis ville  about  one  mile  from  Bayou  Sara. 

"  It  was  then  near  ten  o'clock  p.  in.  After  a  lonely 
ride,  without  any  particular  or  startling  adventure,  we 
approached  what  proved  to  be  the  Union  outpost  pickets, 
and  inquired  for  headquarters.  These  pickets  were 
unable  to  give  us  any  information  as  to  how  we  could 
get  there  ;  we,  therefore,  cautiously  felt  our  way  as  best 
Ave  could,  and  soon  discovered  that  we  were  on  the 
extreme  right  of  Port  Hudson.  We  found  some  Union 
troops  encamped  there,  and  again  made  inquiries.  An 
officer  of  a  New  York  regiment  told  us  the  only  way  to 
reach  headquarters  was  to  go  back  about  three  miles  and 
then  take  a  road  which  would  lead  down  to  the  east  pnrt 
of  Port  Hudson,  and  that  somewhere  in  that  vicinity 
were  Banks1  headquarters. 

"Back  we  started,  but  while  passing  a  piece  of  woods, 


182  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMEXT 

before  we  readied  tlie  road,  the  flash  of  a  gun  and  the 
whistle  of  a  Minie  ball  near  our  heads  convinced  us  that 
all  in  that  vicinity  Avere  not  friends.  Putting  spurs  to 
our  horses,  Ave  made  our  flight  through  woods  and  across 
fields  until  we  reached  the  main  road,  Avhere  AATe  found 
some  Union  pickets. 

"We  were  soon  directed  to  General  Banks'  head 
quarters,  reaching  there  very  early  the  next  morning. 
Without  further  adventure,  Ave  delivered  the  despatches 
to  an  orderly,  Avho  awoke  General  Banks.  Our  horses 
Avere  completely  exhausted,  and  so  Avere  Ave.  We  spent 
the  remainder  of  the  night  on  a  pile  of  oats  for  a  bed, 
and  reported  to  Adjutant-General  Trwin  at  sunrise. 

"The  folloAving  day  General  Martindale  sent  a  train 
and  a  cavalry  escort  to  Bayou  Sara,  to  bring  doAvn  Cap 
tain  BosAvorth  and  all  of  Company  G  Avho  were  Avitli  him, 
together  with  the  prisoners.  On  reaching  headquarters, 
Ave  joined  them  and  Avent  to  NCAV  Orleans.  T  did  not 
rejoin  the  regiment  again  until  it  Avas  inside  of  Port 
Hudson,  as  I  Avas  detailed  at  Springfield  Landing  to  do 
vidette  duty  and  to  carry  despatches  to  General  Banks. 
1  made  five  trips  with  important  despatches  from  this 
place  to  his  headquarters.  About  the  tAventieth  of  .July 
I  rejoined  the  regiment." 

TWO    OTIIKI-l     EXPEIMTIOXS. 

There  were  two  expeditions  Avhich  in  this  connection 
may  be  mentioned  briefly  that  Ave  may  fulfil  to  the  letter 
the  requirements  enjoined  upon  an  impartial  and  faith 
ful  historian. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTNTEERS.  183 

Though  in  order  of  time  those  expeditions  should  have 
been  given  an  earlier  place  in  our  history,  and  though 
in  magnitude  they  may  not  greatly  affect  the  destiny  of 
nations,  still  they  really  may  have  amounted  to  quite  as 
much  as  some  of  the  more  famed  military  exploits  of 
our  army  that  cost,  as  these  did  not,  much  treasure  and 
many  lives. 

The  first  of  the  expeditions  took  place  in  February 
and  the  second  in  March,  1863.  We  give  the  account  of 
each  in  nearly  the  words  employed  by  an  army  corres 
pondent,  Comrade  R.  W.  Allen,  who  was  one  of  the 
heroic  survivors  in  those  undertakings. 

According  to  Comrade  Allen's  story,  it  was  about  the 
middle  of  February  that  orders  were  received  to  march 
two  or  three  companies  of  the  Sixteenth  regiment  on 
board  the  steamer  Sally  List.  The  orders,  as  might  be 
expected,  were  unhesitatingly  obeyed,  and  the  troops 
were  landed  at  Plaquamine,  which  was  between  Donald- 
sonville  and  Baton  Rouge,  a  little  nearer  the  latter  place. 

The  object  of  this  expedition  was  to  subjugate  that 
part  of  the  country  and  open  the  bayou  bearing  the 
same  name.  The  troops  engaged  with  ours  were  the 
Thirty-eighth  Massachusetts,  One  Hundred  Eighth 
New  York,  Fifteenth  New  Hampshire,  and  a  Rhode 
Island  battery. 

Not  finding  the  enemy  in  force  and  being  bent  on 
serving  the  country  in  some  way,  those  troops  ''bor 
rowed  all  the  molasses  they  could"  and  the  movement 
was  converted  into  what  was  known  as  "  the  molasses 
candy  expedition."  "Although  it  rained  just  as  it  did 


184  HISTORY    OF    TIIK    SIXTEKXTH    UK 

in  the  days  of  Noah,  only  a  little  harder,"  says  our 
comrade,  "yet  over  every  camp-fire  was  a  kettle  of 
molasses,  and  soon  the  boys  were  busily  engaged,  doing 
three  things  at  once,  swearing,  pulling  candy,  and  trying 
to  pull  their  brogans  out  of  the  Southern  soil,  which 
was  knee-deep  in  spots." 

AVithin  a  day  or  two  Wkthe  object  of  the  expedition 
was  accomplished,'1  and  the  victorious  troops  returned 
to  their  several  regiments. 

The  second  expedition  of  the  class  now  under  consid 
eration  was  undertaken  a  month  later.  For  the  facts  we 
depend,  as  in  the  former  instance,  upon  our  Comrade 
Allen,  whose  statements  are  substantially  the  following: 

"Two  detachments,  one  from  the  Fifteenth  and  the 
other  from  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  regiments, 
were  detailed  on  board  a  small  sternwheeled  steamer  to 
go  up  rather  a  swift-flowing  stream,  which  empties  into 
Lake  Pont  char  train  which  was  some  seven  miles  from 
our  camp  at  the  Parapet;  the  object  of  that  expedition 
was  to  capture  Confederate  commissary  stores  which 
were  thought  to  be  there.  We  made  little  progress,  as 
our  boat  was  ill  adapted  to  stem  a  stream  having  any 
noticeable  current.  We  puffed  and  crawled  along  at  a 
snail-like  pace,  hugging  well  all  the  time  to  the  shore. 
Night  came  on  ;  the  weather  was  misty,  and  the  night 
dark.  We  ran  out  of  wood  and  went  ashore  for  a 
supply.  Having  loaded  up,  we  cast  off  and  swung  into 
the  stream. 

"After  some  hours  of  steaming,  we  ran  short  of  wood 
the  second  lime,  and  seeing  a  light  on  shore  hailed  it 


KEW    HAMPSIIIKE    VOLUNTEERS.  185 

and  asked  if  we  could  get  wood  there.  The  reply  being 
in  the  affirmative,  we  landed  and  renewed  our  stock. 
Again  we  cast  off  and  went  on  our  way. 

"  Towards  morning,  but  while  it  was  still  dark,  we  were 
again  in  need  of  fuel,  and  hailed  as  we  supposed,  another 
light,  in  order  to  get  a  supply. 

"  '  Can  we  get  wood  here  ( '  we  asked,  '  and  what  is  your 
price  per  cord  ( '  The  owner  replied,  '  I  guess  you  can 
have  it  at  three  dollars  bein'  as  you  fellers  have  got 
wood  here  twice  before  tonight.' 

u  The  fact  was  we  had  not  been  over  half  a  mile  from 
that  wood  pile  all  night  long. 

"When  it  was  light  enough  to  make  observations,  it 
was  apparent  that  our  vessel  could  not  make  any 
progress  ;  we  therefore  turned  and  regretfully  went  back 
to  the  point  from  which  we  had  started  the  afternoon 
before,  and  '  the  object  of  the  expedition  was  accom 
plished.'  " 


CHAPTER    X. 

THE  GARRISON   OF  DISEASE  AND   DEATH. 

IN  OUR  Narrative  we  now  return  to  Fort  Burton,  at 
Butte  a  la  Rose.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  accompany 
ing  diagram  that  Butte  a  la  Rose  is  a  slight  eleva 
tion,  which  is  said  to  have  been  artificially  constructed 
by  the  Indians,  before  the  appearance  there  of  white 
men  and  was  resorted  to  as  a  place  of  refuge  when  the 
surrounding  country  was  flooded  during  the  spring  over- 
Hows. 

Early  in  the  war  Butte  a  la  Rose  was  occupied  by  the 
Confederates,  made  into  a  fortification,  and,  as  already 
suggested,  was  one  of  the  most  strategic  points  in  the 
Southwest. 

Southern  Texas  and  southwestern  Louisiana,  when 
seeking  the  water-ways  to  the  upper  Mississippi,  or  to 
the  Red  river  country,  could  best  do  so  by  entering1  the 
Atchafalaya.  But  as  Fort  Burton  effectually  comman 
ded  that  great  bayou,  the  Confederates  had  determined 
to  hold  it  as  long  as  possible.  All  the  more  anxious 
were  they  to  do  tins  because  at  that  time  the  Mississippi 
was  blockaded  by  our  Heel  both  above  and  below  Port 
Hudson. 


O  OPELOUSAS 


BARRACKS    —    — • 


BAVOUS 

-A  NJ  D 


NEW  IBERIA 
O 

BUTTE  A'LA  RO5E 
xx  rvi  o 

FORT    BURTON 

WATER 


WAT  c  F?  TR  E  N  c  H 

AMD 

BR  i  D  &  E 
WATE  R 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  189 

When  we  took  possession,  Butte  a  la  Rose  was  essen 
tially  a  little  island  surrounded  for  miles  with  water, 
excepting  on  the  west,  where  land  could  be  reached 
through  a  swamp  at  a  distance  of  hve  or  six  miles. 

At  the  north,  also,  there  were  two  or  three  plantations 
on  the  shores  of  the  Atchafalaya  that  were  not  entirely 
under  water  ;  but  at  the  south,  as  far  as  Brashear  City, 
and  east,  as  far  as  Port  Hudson,  even  the  arable  land 
was  covered  with  water  in  many  places  to  the  depth  of 
from  seven  to  ten  feet,  so  that  the  small,  flat-bottomed 
stern-wheel  steamers  that  ply  in  those  waters  were  sail 
ing  at  that  time  through  dooryards  and  over  corn  and 
cane  fields.  Nearly  all  fencing  was  out  of  sight  under 
water. 

Butte  a  la  Rose,  aside  from  being  a  very  strategic  po 
sition  from  a  military  point  of  view,  proved  also  to  be 
such  from  several  other  points  of  view.  It  was  the  grand 
rendezvous  of  mosquitoes,  fleas,  wood- ticks,  lice,  lizards, 
frogs,  snakes,  alligators,  fever  bacteria,  dysentery  mi 
crobes,  and  every  conceivable  type  of  malarial  poison. 

From  about  sunset  till  daylight,  the  mosquitoes  came 
upon  us  in  dense  battalions.  Had  it  not  been  for  the 
mosquito  bars,  that  were  issued  to  us  when  we  were 
being  devoured  by  those  pests  at  Brashear  City,  not  a 
man  of  us,  seemingly,  could  have  lived  at  Butte  a  la 
Rose  for  a  fortnight. 

One  of  our  correspondents  in  writing  home  thus  speaks 
of  those  tormentors  : 

''Let  me  pay  my  respects  to  those  little  winged  co- 
habitues  with  ourselves  of  those  detestable  surround- 


190  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMEHT 

ings.  These  little  rascals  are  comparatively  civil  and 
respectful  during  the  day,  but  at  the  approach  of  night 
their  scattered  forces  are  heard  returning  from  all 
quarters,  andean  be  seen  'massing'  their  columns  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  their  intended  point  of  attack, 
and  piping  up  their  accursed  strains  as  a  kind  of  prelude 
to  combined  assaults  upon  those  whose  blood  they  seek. 

''Denuding  ourselves  of  hat,  blouse,  vest,  and  pants, 
after  a  careful  and  most  wary  tucking  of  the  folds  of  our 
net  under  the  edge  of  the  blankets  and  performing 
sundry  imposing  flourishes  around  our  heads  with  some 
outspread  Northern  paper,  we  slyly  but  quickly  raise  a 
portion  of  the  gauze  aforesaid  and  make  a  plunge  within 
its  generous  recess.  Readjusting  the  net  and  straighten 
ing  out  our  pedal  limbs,  we  coni}X)se  our  thoughts  and 
listen  with  complacency  to  the  gathering  of  wrath  and 
baffled  malice  from  those  infuriated  bloodsuckers. 

"And  as  we  rest  from  the  heated  labors  of  the  day 
within  the  mazy  fortress,  and  listen  to  the  continuous 
hum  and  buzz  of  those  disappointed  inhabitants  of  the 
swamps  and  marshes,  secure  in  our  assurance  against 
their  stinging  lances,  and  think  of  the  blood  that  would 
flow  should  they  succeed  in  breaking  down  our  frail 
barrier,  we  thank  nature  and  art  for  gauze  and  muslin." 

For  miles  on  still  nights  the  croaking  of  frogs  and 
hooting  of  owls  could  be  heard,  and  were  at  first  amus 
ing  but  afterwards  distressing.  The  moccasin  snakes, 
whose  bite  is  deadly,  were  so  bold  and  numerous  that 
they  sometimes  had  to  be  shot  out  of  our  pathway  while 
we  were  passing  between  the  barracks. 


PICKET   DUTY    AT   BUTTE    A   LA    ROS! 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  193 

Alligators,  too,  at  night  while  hunting  and  killing 
their  prey  kept  up  an  almost  continuous  splashing,  which 
was  doleful  enough  in  those  desolate  regions,  and  more 
than  once  those  treacherous  and  ravenous  creatures  com 
pelled  our  pickets,  who  at  night  wrere  not  allowed  to  fire 
upon  them,  to  move  in  near  to  our  barracks  for  safety. 

We  must  not  forget  in  this  enumeration  of  pests  that 
we  had,  nevertheless,  some  friends  among  the  insect  or 
rather  reptile  family,  which  often  warned  us  against  the 
approach  of  snakes  and  other  venomous  creatures. 

We  mean  the  bright-eyed  and  sociable  little  lizards  that 
at  times  seemed  almost  as  numerous  as  house-flies  in  our 
Northern  homes  in  summer  time.  They  would  run  over 
our  barracks  and  clothing,  and  in  many  ways  appeared 
to  be  desirous  of  making  our  acquaintance  and  courting 
our  friendship.  At  times  when  we  were  asleep  they 
would  drop  into  our  hands  and  play  at  circus  over  our 
faces  if  we  did  not  wake,  or  if  we  would  allow  them  to 
do  so-  The  only  trouble  Avas  that  their  touch  seemed  a 
little  too  cold  and  slimy  for  solid  comfort. 

Almost  from  the  date  of  taking  possession  of  that  fort 
we  seemed  at  singular  disadvantage.  We  had  no  sutler 
and  scarcely  any  sutler's  supplies.  Our  sutler  had  gone 
North  with  the  body  of  his  son,  who  was  killed  April 
thirteenth  by  falling  from  the  cars  on  the  passage  from 
New  Orleans  to  Brashear  City.  The  afflicted  father,  who 
by  his  genial  nature  had  won  our  esteem,  had  the 
heartiest  sympathy  of  our  men  when  the  death  of  this 
promising  lad  was  announced. 

As    the    days   wore    on,   we    found   ourselves   without 


194  IIISTOKV    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

lemons,  oranges,  or  fruit  of  any  kind,  for  which  we  had.  an 
intense  craving  in  consequence  of  the  different  kinds  of 
fever  that  had  begun  to  prey  upon  us. 

The  discomfort  of  those  who  were  deprived  of  tobacco 
was  especially  noticeable,  and  any  of  our  readers  who 
have  used  tobacco  for  years  and  then  suddenly  have 
been  deprived  of  it  know  how  keen  is  the  distress. 

The  quids  that  had  been  chewed  and  even  re-chewed 
were  not  tin-own  away,  but  were  dried  and  then  smoked. 
\Ve  do  not  vouch  for  the  statement,  but  recently  we 
were  told  by  one  of  our  comrades  that  some  of  our  tobacco 
users  during  those  days  when  no  fresh  supplies  could 
be  had,  would  secrete  the  second-hand  quids  under  the 
flooring  or  among  the  timbers  of  their  barracks  and  then 
stand  guard  over  them  with  a  musket. 

It  became  manifest  after  a  time  that  an  effort  ought  to 
l)e  made  to  furnish  the  men  in  some  measure  with  what 
are  known  as  sutler's  supplies.  Accordingly,  for  that 
purpose  the  adjutant,  with  full  powers  but  without  funds 
though  having  some  credit,  was  despatched  to  New 
Orleans. 

At  this  point  a  confession  that  we  promised  to  pub 
lish  must  be  made.  On  inquiry  as  to  what  articles 
would  be  of  special  usefulness  to  the  men,  we  were  told 
that  among  other  provisions  a  quantity  of  Hosteter's 
Bitters  should  be  provided,  as  they  would  prove  a  most 
excellent  prescription  for  such  of  our  men  as  were  suffer 
ing  from  chills. 

A  stack  of  recommendations  extolling  their  merits  and 
enumerating  the  remarkable  cures  wrought  by  them  was 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  195 

furnished,    and  accordingly   two  or  three   cases  of  Hos- 
teter's  Bitters  were  put  on  the  invoice. 

Those  bitters  with  other  goods  reached  Butte  a  la  Hose 
in  safety,  and  were  sold  to  those  who  could  pay  for  them 
and  given  to  those  who  were  without  funds.  But 
some  of  the  men,  who  probably  were  more  chilly  than 
the  others,  took  overdoses,  and  in  consequence  became 
staggering  drunk. 

The  adjutant  therefore,  had  the  mortification  of  dis 
covering  that  though  he  was  president  of  the  temperance 
society  of  the  regiment,  he  had  furnished  almost  pure 
whiskey  to  the  men  under  the  label  Hosteter\s  Bitters. 
But  as  no  ill  had  been  intended  he  was  not  deposed 
from  office. 

AVe  not  only  were  without  a  sutler  at  that  time 
but  our  chaplain  in  consequence  of  sickness  had  gone 
North  on  leave  of  absence  and  our  quartermaster  was 
not  with  us,  and  most  of  the  time  during  our  stay  at 
Butte  a  la  Rose  we  were  without  a  surgeon. 

J)r.  Campbell  had  died  ;  Dr.  Sanborn  was  North  on  a 
furlough;  Dr.  Fisk,  besides  being  overworked,  had  been 
assigned  duty,  if  we  remember  correctly,  at  Brashear  City, 
and  Dr.  Sleeper,  was  late  in  reporting  though  as  we  recall 
the  facts,  it  was  without  fault  on  his  part. 

Meanwhile  our  men  were  sickening  rapidly  and  dying 
almost  daily.  Had  it  not  been  that  occasionally  a  negro 
or  poor  white  would  come  to  the  garrison  with  a  row- 
boat  load  of  fresh  vegetables,  together  with  a  few  berries, 
and  eggs,  and  a  small  quantity  of  poultry,  which  were 
exchanged  for  coffee  and  tea,  we  must  have  famished  in 


196  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT. 

our  sick  and  nauseated  condition,  on  such  rations  as  the 
government  then  supplied. 

Soon  after  we  took  possession  of  Butte  a  la  Rose, 
"bank  of  the  rose",  an  exceedingly  attractive  and 
poetic;  but  as  misfitting  a  name  as  well  can  be  imagined, 
the  waters  in  the  bayous  and  pools  surrounding  us  com 
menced  to  fall,  thus  uncovering  to  a  tropical  sun  the 
decayed  and  decaying  vegetable  matter  that  for  weeks 
had  been  submerged. 

The  atmosphere  a  little  after  sunfall  and  on  through 
the  night  was  almost  insufferable,  and  our  sick  men 
when  breathing  it  were  conscious  that  every  breath  Avas 
so  much  more  poison  added  to  their  blood. 

There  must  have  been  on  our  rolls  at  one  time  or  an 
other  while  we  were  at  Butte  a  la  Rose,  not  fewer  than 
six  or  seven  hundred  men.  But  under  date  of  May 
twenty-six  the  regiment  could  muster  only  one  hundred 
and  fifty  for  duty. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  too.  that  many  of  our 
number,  in  consequence  of  previous  exposures  and  hard 
ships,  were  sick  and  debilitated  when  they  reached  that 
place.  As  would  be  expected,  a  more  pitiful  sight  than 
our  regiment  presented  during  the  last  two  weeks  of  our 
stay  at  Butte  a  la  Rose  hardly  can  be  imagined. 

Wasted  away  by  various  forms  of  disease,  men  who 
had  weighed  two  hundred  pounds  or  more  were  reduced 
to  half  that  weight.  One  of  our  company  officers,  (Jap- 
tain  Sanborn,  Company  K,  whose  ordinary  Aveight  was 
considerably  above  two  hundred  pounds,  could  not  tip 
the  scales  at  ninety. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTNTEERS.  197 

Some  of  our  men  were  covered  with  burning  and  pain 
ful  eruptions,  others  were  yellow  as  saffron,  others  were 
shaking  with  ague,  others  were  bloated  with  dropsy, 
and  all  were  sallow  and  emaciated. 

In  person  and  by  letters  we  had  pleaded  repeatedly 
with  the  military  officers  who  had  charge  of  that  west 
ern  department,  to  transfer  us  from  our  deadly  encamp 
ment  ;  but  this  reply  came  back  as  often  as  the  request 
was  made  ;  "You  know  the  locality;  there  is  not  an 
available  regiment  we  can  send  to  relieve  you.  You 
must  stay  until  our  army  retires  down  the  Teche  or  crosses 
the  Mississippi,  which  we  hope  will  be  at  an  early  date.1' 

They  ought  truthfully  to  have  added, — u  We  will  re 
lieve  you  when  we  are  through  shipping  cotton,  sugar, 
and  molasses  to  New  Orleans."  No  one  can  deny  that 
the  lives  of  New  Hampshire  men  were  imperilled  for  a 
few  bales  of  cotton  and  hogsheads  of  molasses. 

And  so  we  remained  there  at  Jiutte  a  la  Rose  until  we 
came  perilously  near  not  being  relieved  at  all,  except  by 
death  or  the  Confederate  troops. 

At  this  point  we  introduce  an  episode  that  at  least  has 
a  measure  of  importance  by  way  of  suggestion. 

April  twenty-sixth,  General  Banks  and  some  members 
of  his  staff  came  down  the  Atchafalaya  on  the  transport 
Laurel  Hill,  reaching  Butte  a  la  Rose  early  in  the  day. 
After  a  brief  consultation  with  our  officers,  during  which 
we  again  pleaded  for  removal  from  that  fatal  garrison, 
the  boat  proceeded  down  the  bayou  for  Brashear  City. 

As  various  supplies  were  needed  by  the  regiment,  the 
adjutant,  who  at  that  time  was  expected  to  have  general 


108  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

supervision  of  sutlers,  quartermasters,  ordnance  officers 
and  even  medical  supplies  and  who  already  had  made 
six  trips  between  Butte  a  la  Rose  and  Brashear  City, 
again  was  despatched  on  the  Laurel  Hill  with  General 
Banks  for  New  Orleans. 

Not  many  miles  from  Butte  a  la  Rose  the  adjutant 
noticed  that  a  bayou  new  to  him  had  been  entered.  At 
first  he  thought  that  this  course  had  been  taken  to 
secure  deeper  water,  but  it  soon  became  apparent  that 
this  could  not  have  been  the  case,  and  remembering  our 
misdirection  during  the  mud  march,  and  the  probable 
misdirection  that  had  deceived  General  Grover  at  Bayou 
BoMiff,  and  the  trick  played  on  the  captain  of  the 
Arizona  on  the  day  we  captured  Fort  Burton,  he  became 
uneasy  arid  asked  to  see  General  Banks  on  an  important 
matter.  The  interview  was  granted. 

"You  Avill  excuse  me,  General,11  said  the  adjutant, 
"but  I  notice  that  this  boat  is  not  on  the  course  usually 
taken  by  boats  going  down  the  river.'' 

''Are  you  sure,"  asked  the  general,  "  that  we  are  not 
on  the  right  course?" 

"I  am  sure,"  replied  the  adjutant,  '"that  we  are  not 
on  the  course  usually  taken/' 

The  captain  of  the  boat  was  called,  and  the  general 
said  to  him,  "Captain,  this  adjutant,  who  has  passed 
between  Butte  a  la  Rose  and  Brashear  City  several 
times,  says  you  are  off  your  course." 

"Not  quite  that,"  interrupted  the  adjutant  ;  k;I  said 
4  this  is  not  the  course  usually  taken.1  ' 

The  captain  replied,  "I  know  nothing  of  these  waters 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  199 

myself,  but  am  trusting  to  the  pilot  and  a  stranger  we 
have  taken  aboard  to  aid  him." 

Already  we  were  in  among  logs  and  snags,  and  the 
water  appeared  to  be  shoaling.  A  consultation  Avas  held 
in  the  wheel-house.  The  stranger,  who  pretended  to  be 
a  pilot  in  those  waters,  insisted  upon  going  ahead,  say 
ing  that  the  water  would  soon  deepen.  But  every  indi 
cation  pointed  otherwise.  After  further  consultation, 
the  boat,  whose  engine  already  had  been  stopped,  was 
backed  slowly  and  cautiously  until  breadth  of  water  was 
found  sufficient  for  turning.  The  boat  then  put  back  to 
Fort  Burton  and  tied  up  for  the  night. 

There  is  very  little  room  for  doubt  in  the  adjutant's 
mind,  at  least,  that  that  pilot  intended  mischief.  Had 
the  transport  been  snagged,  and  it  is  a  great  wonder 
that  she  was  not,  for  that  probably  was  the  purpose  of 
our  Louisiana  guerrilla  pilot,  she  easily  could  have  been 
fired  during  the  night,  and  in  that  wilderness  of  woods 
and  waters,  with  no  clearing  anywhere  in  sight,  twenty- 
five  or  fifty  armed  Confederates  in  their  skiffs  without 
much  difficulty  could  have  gobbled  up  the  general  com 
manding  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps,  together  with  all 
the  staff  accompanying  him. 

If  we  remember  correctly,  that  tricky  assistant  pilot 
was  the  next  day  placed  in  irons  and  taken  to  New 
Orleans. 

More  than  once  after  the  close  of  the  war  General 
Banks  and  the  adjutant  rehearsed  the  scenes  of  that  day 
and  speculated  on  what  might  have  followed  had  the 
Laurel  Hill  run  on  to  a  stum})  or  had  been  mud-stuck 


200  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

in  that  ont-of-the-way  place,  with  Confederate  scouts 
scattered  all  through  the  adjacent  forests. 

We  return  again  to  the  perils  that  confronted  our 
garrison  at  Butte  a  la  Rose. 

Opelousas  which  was  nearly  northwest  of  us,  and 
about  fifty  miles  distant,  was  taken  and  occupied  by  the 
main  body  of  the  Federal  troops  April  twentieth. 

After  remaining  there  for  two  weeks,  waiting,  as  was 
alleged  afterwards,  to  hear  from  General  ({rant,  though 
our  troops  were  busy  all  the  time  in  forwarding  cotton, 
sugar,  and  molasses  to  New  Orleans,  General  Banks 
moved  on  to  Alexandria,  which  already  had  been  cap 
tured  by  our  fleet  of  gunboats.  That  was  a  difficult  and 
wearisome  march  for  the  troops,  and  why  it  was  made 
was  an  unanswered  question  then  and  is  so  still. 

Admiral  Porter,  who  had  captured  the  city,  writing  of 
that  campaign  says  :  "General  Banks  marched  a  large 
portion  of  his  army  to  Alexandria  for  what 

purpose  nobody  knows." 

So  overrun  was  that  part  of  Louisiana  at  that  time 
with  scattered  Confederates,  many  of  whom  were"  a 
nondescript  class,  neither  soldiers  nor  guerrillas,  but  a 
sort  of  highwaymen  mounted  on  mustangs,  and  armed 
with  shot-guns,"  and  so  difficult  in  consequence  of  those 
roving  bands  was  it  for  couriers  to  carry  despatches  that 
it  had  taken  forty  days,  from  March  twenty-third, 
to  May  second,  for  Grant  and  Banks  to  exchange  com 
munications. 

In  consequence  of  those  delays  and  the  lateness  of 
Banks  in  reaching  Alexandria,  and  perhaps  for  other 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  201 

reasons  known  better  to  General  (frant  than  to  any  one 
else,  all  intention  on  his  part  of  securing  a  co-operation 
between  tlie  Thirteenth  and  Nineteenth  Army  Corps  was 
abandoned,  and  General  Banks  was  left  single  handed  to 
lay  siege  once  more  to  Port  Hudson. 

Accordingly,  on  May  fourteenth,  Grover's  division 
marched  from  Alexandria  to  Simmesport,  which  in  direct 
line  is  about  fifty  miles  north  of  Butte  a  la  Rose,  and 
there  crossed  the  Atchafalaya. 

Two  days  later,  Emory's  division,  then  under  com 
mand  of  Gen.  H-  K.  Paine,  followed  and  n  little  later 
Weit/el's  division  did  the  same.  The  entire  force  under 
those  three  generals  then  moved  across  the  country  to 
the  Mississippi  river,  and  down  its  west  bank,  about 
twenty-live  miles  to  Bayou  Sara.  Here  a  crossing  was 
effected,  and  on  May  twenty-fourth,  the  troops  under 
Generals  Grover,  Paine,  and  Weitzel  joined  those  under 
General  Auger,  who  during  the  campaign  up  the  Teche 
country  had  remained  in  the  vicinity  of  Port  Hudson. 

It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  from  May  sixteenth, 
until  our  regiment  left  Butte  a  hi  Rose,  we  were  not 
only  in  the  valley  and  shadow  of  disease  and  death,  but 
were  also  in  the  midst  of  the  enemy's  country  without 
any  military  support  whatever. 

No  sooner  had  Alexandria  been  evacuated  by  the 
Union  troops  than  the  Confederate,  Major-Genera] 
"Dick"  Taylor  took  possession  of  the  city  and  began 
the  reorganization  of  his  forces.  Very  soon  between 
three  and  four  thousand  men  were  in  readiness,  and 
Taylor,  together  with  Generals  Mouton  and  Green, 


202  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

moved  down  and  repossessed  the  Teclie  country.  Those 
forces  were  in  our  rear  and  still  no  move  had  been 
made  either  for  our  release  or  protection. 

At  that  time,  in  our  weakened  condition,  a  small 
detachment  from  Taylor's  troops,  say  one  or  two  hundred 
men,  easily  could  have  captured  us.  But  perhaps  he 
thought  we  were  safely  cooped  up  where  we  were  and 
that  he  would  leave  us  there  till  some  other  day. 

In  the  meantime  the  waters  of  the  Atchal'alaya  were 
constantly  and  rapidly  falling,  and  the  river  would  not 
be  navigable  much  longer.  The  enemy's  scouts  were 
seen  by  our  pickets  almost  daily  and  heard  almost 
nightly.  Every  available  man  in  our  regiment  was  as 
signed  to  picket  duty.  AVe  made  in  that  way  all  the 
show  possible,  though  dress  parading,  battalion  drilling 
and  even  formal  guard  mounting  long  since  had  been 
dispensed  with. 

Deaths  and  funerals  were  distressingly  on  the  increase, 
and  pieces  of  pine  board  with  lead-pencil  marks  upon 
them  were  the  only  headstones  and  inscriptions  that 
could  be  used. 

AVe  had  received  occasional  assurances  from  transport 
boats  that  came  up  the  bayou  that  we  were  soon  to  be 
taken  oil'.  But  we  waited  day  after  day  and  still  no 
definite  arrangements  for  our  departure  appear  to  have 
been  made.  We  were  at  times  almost  maddened  by 
those  disappointments  and  delays.  Had  an  opportunity 
presented  itself,  the  writer  has  no  doubt  that  the  officers 
of  the  regiment  would  have  done  what  they  did  once 
before, — they  would  have  taken  matters  into  their  own 


Keeping  up  Appearances  at  Butte  a  la  Rose. 


NEW    'HAMPSHIRE    YOLVNTEERS. 

hands  and  without  orders  from  any  one  would  have 
moved  the  regiment  out  of  that  detestable  hole,  whatever 
the  consequences  might  have  been.  But  escape  by  laud 
was  impossible.  AVe  had  no  guides,  and  though  the 
water  was  receding,  the  mud,  many  feet  in  depth,  re 
mained. 

May  twenty-seventh,  the  small  gunboat  Estrdla,  the 
last  of  the  fleet  of  gunboats  to  descend  the  bayon,  called 
at  the  fort  on  her  way  from  Alexandria,  to  Bra  shear  City. 
That,  seemingly,  was  our  last  chance,  and  the  adjutant 
once  more  was  despatched  to  Brashear  City  to  ascertain 
if  anything  possibly  could  be  done  to  relieve  our  regi 
ment  from  its  increasingly  perilous  situation.  On  the 
way  to  Brashear  City,  the  captain  of  the  Estrella  was 
made  fully  aware  of  the  helpless  condition  of  the  regi 
ment,  but  of  course  could  do  nothing  without  orders. 
His  heart,  however,  had  been  touched. 

The  staff  quartermaster  at  Brashear  City  could  have 
relieved  us  had  he  chosen  to  do  so,  but  he  declined  to 
act  without  specific  orders  from  headquarters,  and  ap 
parently  he  was  not  at  all  desirous  of  receiving  such 
orders.  All  this  was  aggravating  almost  beyond  endur 
ance.  In  fact,  the  adjutant  was  nearly  wild  Avith  anxiety 
lest,  after  repeated  efforts,  he  should  fail  in  his  mission. 
The  recollection  of  those  hours  even  now  while  writing 
these  pages  makes  him  start  to  his  feet  as  if  in  a  night 
mare. 

The  peril  of  the  regiment,  owing  to  the  rapid  falling 
of  the  waters  in  all  the  streams  and  bayous,  was  increas 
ing  with  every  hour's  delay.  In  making  the  late  pass- 


204  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

ages,  each  of  the  larger  transports,  while  crossing  the 
chain  of  shallow  lakes  connected  by  the  Atchafalaya 
dragged  bottom,  and  had  they  attempted  to  sail  a  few 
feet  either  side  of  the  channel  they  would  have  grounded 
or  ha,ve  been  snagged.  The  transport  Georr/e  A.  tfltel- 
(l-o)i  already  had  struck  a  snag,  and  sank  close  by  Fort 
Burton. 

When  all  the  facts  are  taken  into  account,  it  seems 
like  a  most  manifest  providential  interposition  that  there 
was  a  young  division  staff  officer  from  Massachusetts, 
who,  at  the  same  time  the  adjutant  was  pleading  with 
those  in  authority  to  save  our  regiment  from  capture  and 
death,  reached  Brashear  City  by  order  of  General  Emory, 
and  began  to  interest  himself  in  our  behalf. 

This  officer  was  Captain  Alphens  Hyatt.  lie  was  not 
long  in  coming  into  full  sympathy  with  our  situation 
and  almost  commanded  an  expedition  to  be  sent  to 
relieve  us.  It  goes,  perhaps,  without  saying,  that 
one  of  the  gladdest  moments  of  the  historian's  life 
was  when  on  board  the  flstrrtla,  in  company  with  Cap 
tain  Hyatt,  he  shook  himself  and  found  he  was  not 
dreaming  and  that  the  Estrelld  and  two  transports  were 
really  starting  for  those  imperiled  comrades. 

At  this  point  we  introduce  a  letter  from  Captain  Hyatt 
which  will  make  it  clear  that  the  historian  has  not  over 
estimated  the  perilous  position  we  were  in  at  the  time 
of  which  we  are  speaking,  or  overdrawn  the  distress 
ing,  almost  appalling,  condition  of  our  regiment  when 
Butte  a  la  Hose  was  evacuated  : 


XEW   HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  20(5 

CAMBRIDGE,  MASS., 

June  21,  1898. 

"ADJUTANT    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT, 

"NEW   HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS. 

44  DEAR  SIR  : — My  memory  of  the  evacuation  of  Butte 
a  la  Hose  and  the  events  attending  it  lias  been  kept 
clear  by  repetition,  but  of  course  many  of  the  details 
have  faded  from  my  mind,  because  I  have  not  yet  met 
any  one  who  had  been  an  actor  in  the  same  scenes. 

"1  was  at  that  time  a  captain  in  the  Forty-seventh 
Massachusetts  Volunteers  and  acting  aide-de-camp  upon 
the  staff  of  General  Emory,  who  was  in  command  of  the 
city  and  district  of  New  Orleans  and  of  the  troops  on 
the  west  banks  of  the  Mississippi  opposite  that  district. 

ullis  adjutant-general  gave  me  an  order  to  proceed  to 
Brashear  City  and  then  to  Butte  a  la  Hose  with  three 
steamers  to  be  procured  at  the  last  named  port,  and  to 
bring  off  the  garrison  at  the  port  of  Butte  a  la  Rose,  if, 
as  was  significantly  but  verbally  added,  they  are  still 
there.  It  was  understood  in  New  Orleans  that  this 
expedition  might  miscarry,  since  it  was  known  that  the 
Confederates  were  then  pushing  forward  from  Texas 
with  the  intention,  if  practicable,  of  reaching  the  banks 
of  the  Mississippi,  and  annoying,  if  not  capturing,  the 
weak  garrison  of  New  Orleans. 

"I  found  at  Brashear  City  that  the  expedition  was 
looked  upon  as  more  risky  than  it  was  at  headquarters 
in  New  Orleans.  The  Confederate  pickets  had  possess 
ion  of  the  opposite  bank  of  the  Atchafalaya  and  would 


206  JIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTKKNTII    KEGIMENT 

be  certain  to  note  the  departure  of  the  steamers.  The 
quartermaster  at  that  place  [Brashear  City],  in  conse 
quence  of  this  opposed  the  execution  of  my  orders, 
denying  that  Emory  had  any  rights  in  that  locality, 
which  he  asserted  was  directly  under  General  Banks. 
When  this  was  pushed  aside  after  some  hard  talk  and 
some  words,  which  I  do  not  remember,  he  still  opposed 
the  sending  of  steamers,  on  the  ground  that  it  was  use 
less  ;  there  were  no  well-protected  boats  ;  it  would  be 
delivering  the  crews  and  the  steamers  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  and  so  on.  I  finally  interviewed  some  of  the 
captains  of  the  boats  and  by  proper  representations 
enlisted  the  sympathy  of  one  of  them  and  got  him  to  go 
with  me  to  the  quartermaster  and  volunteer  his  services 
for  the  attempt.  Tie  represented  that  the  greatest 
danger  was  the  possible  lowness  of  the  water  which 
might  prevent  the  return  of  the  boats  when  loaded,  but 
as  he  also  admitted  it  would  be  easy  to  judge  of  this  on 
the  way  up  and  possibly  provide  against  it  in  the  load 
ing  ;  this  induced  the  quartermaster  to  grant  the  detail 
of  steamers.  We  left  Brashear  City,  I  think,  on  the 
third  day  after  my  arrival  there,  and  this  delay  made 
me  very  anxious  for  the  safety  of  the  garrison  we  were 
to  take  away. 

"Although  in  full  sight  of  the  enemy  at  starting,  we 
were  not  disturbed  on  the  way,  and  arrived  without 
accident  at  the  fort.  This  fact,  and  the  welcome  nature 
of  the  news  we  brought  are  events  probably  better 
remembered  by  the  surviving  soldiers  of  the  Sixteenth 
New  Hampshire  than  by  myself.  Although  young,  and 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  207 

a  rather  reckless  young  man  at  the  time,  I  can  never 
forget  the  interior  of  that  fort,  the  tents  set  upon  the 
sides  of  the  dyke  or  road  in  the  interior,  to  keep  them 
out  of  the  swamp.  I  had  never  seen  before  this  an 
undisguised  swamp  in  the  parade-ground  of  a  fort,  and 
the  terrible  discomfort  and  danger  of  this  to  the  troops 
were  obvious. 

"  That  any  large  proportion  of  your  regiment  lived  to 
see  civilization  again,  after  such  prolonged  seclusion  in 
this  black  hole  of  swamp  sickness,  shows  how  tough 
New  Hampshire  constitutions  are.  The  larger  number 
of  your  men  were  sick,  and  if  I  remember  right  there 
were  only  one  hundred  and  twenty-live  capable  of  help 
ing  the  crews  of  the  steamers  to  remove  the  sick,  the 
baggage,  and  the  guns.  The  emaciation  and  pallor  of 
those  men  working  at  night  alongside  of  the  sunburnt 
crews  of  the  steamers  was  very  noticeable.  Their  weak 
ness  was  noticed  by  me  in  the  fact  that,  although  doing 
their  best,  they  moved  about  with  extreme  difficulty  ; 
the  entire  one  hundred  and  twenty-five,  though  doing 
their  best,  were  not  able  to  do  one-fourth  the  work  done 
by  the  crews  of  the  steamers,  who  numbered  fewer  than 
one-half  as  many  as  your  men.  I  ought  to  say  here  that 
I  cannot  recall  whether  I  brought  up  three  boats  or  two, 
but  I  feel  quite  sure  about  the  number  of  men.  T  do  not 
remember  whether  we  got  away  before  morning,  but  I 
have  a  picture  in  my  mind  of  a  long  procession  of  men 
carrying  the  sick  on  stretchers  and  spreading  them  out 
over  the  decks  of  the  boats,  and  I  distinctly  recall  going 
up  to  the  pilot-house  and  looking  down  upon  decks  with 


208  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

solid  piles  of  motionless,  blanketed  men  stretched  ont 
straight  on  their  backs,  quiet  as  the  dead  that  they  so 
closely  resembled.  It  was  the  most  pitiful  and  impress 
ive  picture  of  suffering  that  can  be  imagined. 

"  The  uneventful  return  to  Brashear  City  is,  of  course, 
familiar  to  you. 

"  Yours  respectfully, 

"  A LP IIETS  HYATT." 

Yes,  we,  too,  remember  that  night  scene  ;  few  recol 
lections  of  a  lifetime  are  more  vivid.  And  no  troops  in 
greater  misery  and  distress,  ever  placed  health  and  life 
upon  their  country's  altar  than  did  the  men  of  Ihe  Six 
teenth  during  the  time  they  garrisoned  that  dreadful 
"black  hole"  of  disease  and  death. 

The  debt  of  gratitude  we  owe  to  Captain  Alpheus 
Hyatt  we  never  can  repay.  Had  it  not  been  for  his  persis 
tent  and  resolute  efforts  in  our  behalf,  and  for  the 
humane  offices  of  the  captain  of  the  Estrellci,  we  do  not 
believe  one  of  the  sick  men  of  our  regiment  ever  would 
have  left  Fort  Burton,  and  the  fate  of  the  most  of  those 
who  were  still  able  to  do  duty  after  having  been  cut  off 
from  communication  with  our  army  and  almost  from  the 
outside  world,  would  have  been  more  deplorable  than 
any  one  can  dream  who  is  not  familiar  with  that  doleful 
place. 

There  we  were,  imprisoned,  and  without  supplies. 
An  escape  through  the  swamps  was  impossible.  It  was 
then  the  last  of  May.  The  last  of  July  General  Taylor 
returned  up  the  Teche  country.  At  that  time  we  should 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOLVNTEEKS.  200 

have  been  taken   prisoners,  if  any  of   us   had  remained 
alive. 

Again  and  again  we  offer  our  thanks  to  the  captain  of 
the  Estrclla  for  volunteering  his  services,  and  to  Captain 
Hyatt  for  his  earnest  intercessions  in  our  behalf. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

EVACUATION  OF  BUTTE  A  LA  ROSE  AND  RETURN  TO 
PORT  HUDSON. 

IT  was  two  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  May  twenty  - 
eighth  that  the  gunboat  Extrella  and  the  transports 
Come  and  Keppe  started  up  the  Atchafalaya  on 
their  mission  of  rescue.  We  reached  Butte  a  la  Rose  at 
ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  May  twenty-ninth. 

The  letters  written  home  at  that  time  by  our  men 
attest  their  well-nigh  inexpressible  joy  "when,"  as  one 
of  our  correspondents  in  a  communication  to  a  news 
paper  says,  "we  were  permitted  to  see,  before  our 
delighted  eyes  laying  across  the  bayou,  the  gunboat 
and  transports  that  had  come  to  save  us."  !STo  wonder 
the  men  were  rilled  with  joy,  for  the  fate  of  prisoners  of 
war  in  the  hands  of  Texas  rangers,  or  certain  death  from 
diseases  then  preying  upon  them,  had  seemed  to  be  their 
inevitable  doom. 

The  dismantling  of  Fort  Burton  began  immediately. 
But  the  work  was  prosecuted  with  quietness  during  the 
day  in  order  to  attract  as  little  as  possible  the  attention 
of  the  Confederate  scouts  who  had  surrounded  us  and 


IsTEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUXTEERS.  211 

who,  within  a  few  days  past,  had  greatly  increased  in 
numbers,  boldness  and  activity.  Indeed,  we  feared  an 
attack  at  daybreak  the  next  morning  from  those  of 
Taylors  forces  who  had  been  left  to  prevent  our  escape 
into  the  Teche  country  and  who  appeared  to  be  making  a 
move  to  prevent,  if  possible,  our  departure  on  the  trans 
ports  that  they  must  have  known  had  come  to  take  us 
away. 

As  darkness  fell  upon  us  the  work  of  destroying  the 
fortifications  was  pushed  with  as  much  vigor  as  the 
enfeebled  strength  of  our  men  would  permit.  In  the 
meantime  the  gunboat  Extrella  had  taken  a  position 
from  which  she  could  send  her  grape  and  shells  down 
the  roadway  had  the  enemy  appeared  in  force.  Doubt 
less  they  were  those  precautionary  measures  of  the 
Estrella,  or  at  least  her  presence  there,  that  prevented  a 
raid  upon  us  that  very  night  ;  for  those  Confederates 
who  were  surrounding  us  had  learned  from  experience 
what  speedy  havoc  a  broadside  of  grape  and  canister 
could  make  when  sent  among  them. 

The  scenes  of  that  night,  the  loading  of  the  transports, 
the  painful  efforts  of  our  sick  and  enfeebled  men  to  help 
on  in  the  work,  the  carrying  of  the  sick  and  dying  men 
on  board,  already  have  been  so  well  described  by  Cap 
tain  Hyatt  that  they  need  not  in  this  connection  be 
repeated. 

At  midnight  we  set  lire  to  all  the  barracks  and  made 
preparations  to  blow  up  the  magazine  which  still  held  a 
large  quantity  of  powder.  At  that  hour,  too,  we  came 
near  meeting  with  a  serious  accident.  As  already  men- 


212  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMEXT 

tioned,  tlie  transport  George  A.  Sheldon,  had  struck  a 
snag  and  bad  been  run  in  close  to  the  fort  where  she  lay 
partly  submerged. 

During  the  day  a  small  transport  called  the  Union, 
the  last  of  her  class  to  descend  the  bayou,  reached  the 
fort,  coming,  if  we  mistake  not,  from  Simmesport,  hav 
ing  on  board  a  quantity  of  cotton.  She  was  hailed  by 
the  Estrella,  and  in  spite  of  the  protests  and  oaths  of  her 
captain,  was  pressed  into  service.  Some  of  her  cargo 
Avas  thrown  overboard  to  make  room  for  our  sick  men, 
against  which  her  captain  offered  additional  protests. 
But  the  guns  of  the  Estrella  at  that  time  commanded 
those  waters  and  the  captain  of  the  Union  had  to  obey. 

Accordingly  his  boat  had  been  made  fast  to  the  partly 
submerged  Slielclon  and  was  being  loaded  across  her 
bows,  which  were  the  only  part  of  her  deck  not  under 
water.  Without  a  moment's  warning,  the  Sheldon, 
owing  probably  to  the  strain  that  came  from  the  ropes 
with  which  she  was  fastened  to  the  Union,  partly  turned 
over  and  slid  into  deep  water. 

As  she  sank,  the  Union  began  to  sink  with  her  ;  the 
lines  were  so  taut  they  could  not  be  cast  off  and  before 
they  could  even  be  cut,  the  decks  of  the  Union  were 
well  under  wrater.  She  was  fearfully  near  being  cap 
sized  with  many  of  our  sick  men  on  board.  But  fortu 
nately  the  ropes  parted  just  in  time  to  save  this 
threatened  catastrophe  in  which  the  drowning  of  several 
of  our  almost  utterly  helpless  men  would  have  been 
inevitable. 

At  length  all   the  men  and  their  belongings  were  on 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  213 

board,  together  with  the  armament  of  the  fort,  and  the 
Estrella  with  the  three  transports  swung  clear  of  the 
fort  and  slowly  dropped  down  the  bnyou. 

Two  of  our  men,  one  of  whom  was  our  lieutenant- 
colonel,  remained  for  the  purpose  of  lighting  the  fuse 
communicating  with  the  powder  in  the  magazine.  A  few 
moments  later  they  were  seen  in  the  early  grey  of  the 
morning  rowing  rapidly  towards  the  transports  and  were 
taken  on  board.  They  had  fired  the  fuse  and  we  watched 
for  the  explosion,  but  nothing  of  the  kind  followed.  In 
the  light  of  the  burning  barracks,  however,  we  plainly 
saw  the  Confederates  moving  up  the  causeway  and  along 
the  embankments  of  the  fort.  They  evidently  had  been 
watching  all  our  movements,  and  probably  extinguished 
the  fuse  within  a  few  seconds  after  it  had  been  lighted. 

Indeed  we  can  do  more  than  say  that  they  probably 
did  this,  for  during  our  regimental  reunion  at  the  Weirs, 
August,  1890,  one  of  our  comrades,  Corporal  Hand, 
stated  that  he  had  met  a  Confederate  soldier  who  was 
with  those  who  had  followed  us  up  that  night,  intending 
if  possible  our  capture,  and  was  among  those  who  saved 
the  magazine  from  explosion,  by  extinguishing  the  fuse. 

Our  movements  down  the  b.iyou  were  at  first  very 
slow,  at  least  till  full  daylight,  and  then  all  possible- 
speed  was  made.  It  became  evident,  especially  while 
passing  through  both  Mud  and  Chicot  Lakes  and  even 
through  the  upper  part  of  Grand  Lake,  that  our  depart 
ure  from  Butte  a  la  Kose  had  been  none  too  soon.  There 
were  miles  through  which  the  rather  heavily  laden  boats 
ploughed  mud  and  at  some  points  they  dragged  so 


214  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

heavily  that  for  a  time,  fears  were  entertained  that  we 
could  not  proceed.  Five,  perhaps  three  days  later  the 
passage  through  those  waters  would  have  been  im 
possible. 

When  the  sun  rose  we  were  well  beyond  the  sight  of  a 
spot  we  then  presumed  Federal  troops  never  again  would 
be  sent  to  garrison  ;  a  spot  that  had  more  than  a  local, 
it  had  at  least  a  state  reputation. 

The  reader  doubtless  will  recall  what  the  Confederate 
commander  said  to  us  on  taking  possession  of  that  place. 
We  now  introduce  another  bit  of  testimony. 

Soon  after  its  capture,  an  announcement  appeared  in 
a  St.  Martinsville  paper  which  was  quoted  in  a  New 
Orleans  daily,  reading  thus  : 

''The  Yanks  have  taken  from  us  that  Hole  of  Hell, 
Butte  a  la  Rose,  and  we  wish  them  great  joy  in  its  pos 
session." 

After  entering  Grand  Lake,  navigation  was  easy.  We 
began  to  feel  that  we  were  now  on  the  way  to  some  des 
tination,  though  Ave  knew  not  where,  nor  had  we  much 
concern.  Indeed,  does  any  reader  suppose  had  the 
choice  been  left  us  on  the  one  hand  either  to  go  into  the 
trenches  before  Port  Hudson,  to  storm  that  stronghold  of 
the  enemy,  or  to  make  any  other  bloody  advance,  and  on 
the  other  hand  to  return  to  Butte  a  la  Hose  that  it  would 
have  taken  us  one  moment  to  decide? 

Let  us  draw  a  picture  or  two  ;  the  iirst  one  involves 
patrol  duty.  The  relief  is  ready  and  begins  its  march 
a  half  mile  or  more  towards  the  enemy.  The  territory 
is  deserted  and  lonelv.  The  outer  vedette  station  is 


THE   SENTRY    IN    A    THUNDER   STORM. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  217 

readied.  Two  or  three  vedettes  who  had  been  on  guard 
the  first  half  of  the  night  are  relieved  ;  the  relief  patrol 
turns  back,  leaving  two,  possibly  three  soldiers  out 
there  alone,  but  within  hearing  of  the  enemy's  lines. 
They  pull  their  rubber  blankets  about  them  to  keep  the 
pelting  rain  off  ;  they  stand  ready  with  thumb  on  the 
hammer  to  cock  their  muskets  ;  they  peer  into  the  dark 
ness  from  which  may  come  a  blaze  of  lire  the  next  min 
ute  sending  a  bullet  crashing  through  the  brain.  Those 
are  perilous  and  lonesome  hours.  But  does  any  one 
suppose  that  they  inspire  half  the  dread  that  came  to  ns 
while  helplessly  we  did  patrol  duty  in  that  i%  black  hole" 
with  disease  stalking  among  us  and  picking  off  our  men 
day  and  night '( 

On  the  ';mud  march''  and  at  other  times  as  skir 
mishers  we  had  deployed  under  great  difficulties.  When 
rendering  such  service  each  man  in  the  line  expects  in  a 
few  brief  moments  to  be  the  mark  for,  perhaps  a  score 
of  the  enemy's  rifles.  Advancing  in  line  they  hear  Ihe 
bullets  whistling  thick  about  them  and  arc  left  to 
wonder  that  they  hear  so  many  without  feeling  a  slight 
stinging  sensation  somewhere  in  the  body,  followed  with 
the  consciousness  that  suddenly  it  is  growing  dark 
about  them  ;  then  it  is  that  a  soldier's  courage  is 
thoroughly  tested.  But  we  have  no  hesitation  in  saying 
that  if  the  men  of  our  regiment  any  time  after  the  first 
ten  days  of  their  life  at  Butte  a  la  Rose  could  have  pur 
chased  their  release  from  that  place  by  being  ordered  to 
make  an  advance  in  skirmish  line  every  day  in  the  week, 
there  would  not  have  been  a  moment's  hesitation. 


218  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

It  is  a  trying  experience,  too,  when  soldiers  are  called 
upon  to  hold  an  important  position  with  heavy  odds 
against  them  until  reinforcements  can  be  brought  to 
their  support.  But  though  the  carnage  is  sometimes 
fearful,  yet  because  it  cannot  last  very  long,  it  is  far  less 
dreadful  than  a  defense  continued  through  weeks  of 
delay  and  suffering  while  the  angels  or  fiends  of  disease 
and  death  are  hovering  over  a  smitten  and  suffering 
garrison. 

Hutte  n  la  Roxe !  Bank  of  Hoses!  with  your  swamp 
devils,  monster  alligators,  venomous  snakes,  disease  and 
death,  it  was  you  who  tested  the  fortitude  of  the  sturdy 
men  from  the  granite  hills  of  New  Hampshire  as  the 
fortitude  of  men  seldom  is  tested  ! 

But  now  horrible  place — farewell  '.—forever.  Such 
were  our  thoughts  as  Butte  a  la  Rose  was  hidden  from 
view  by  a  belt  of  trees  on  the  morning  we  left  it.  Those 
experiences  now  come  to  us  in  memory  not  as  a  reality, 
but  as  a  dream  too  strange  and  weird  to  be  believed. 

It  was  Sunday  forenoon,  May  thirty-first,  just  forty- 
two  days  after  our  leaving  for  that  henceforth  unmen 
tionable  place,  that  we  again  landed  on  the  wharf  at 
Brashear  City,  and  our  men  were  as  thankful  as  mortals 
could  be  that  once  more  they  were  in  the  midst  of  at 
least  some  evidences  of  civilization. 

Among  the  first  rations  issued  to  the  regiment  after 
reaching  Brashear  City  was  a  large  quantity  of  pickled 
cabbage.  The  craving  of  the  men  for  something  acid 
was  so  intense  that  they  hardly  could  restrain  them 
selves,  or  be  restrained,  Leaving  all  other  food  mi- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  219 

touched  they  seized  that  cabbage  by  the  handt'uls  and 
gorged  themselves  ;  and  what  seems  singular,  they  did 
it,  apparently  without  injury. 

As  soon  as  a  train  could  be  made  up  we  were  ordered 
on  board.  Algiers  was  our  destination.  That  place  was 
reached  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Owing  to 
recent  orders  to  forward  all  available  troops  os  rapidly 
as  possible  to  Port  Hudson,  we  were  allowed  no  time  for 
rest,  though  many  of  our  men  were  too  weak  to  stand 
without,  support,  and  some  of  them  could  not  stand  at 
all  but  were  carried  on  board  the  Sally  Robinson  which 
had  been  ordered  up  the  river  to  Springfield  Landing,  a 
short  distance  south  of  Port  Hudson. 

The  adjutant  was  detained  in  New  Orleans  for  a  few 
hours,  to  report  to  General  Emory  the  condition  of  the 
regiment,  get  the  regimental  mail  and  to  notify  any  con 
valescents  belonging  to  our  command  to  report  at  Port 
Hudson.  A  few  hours  after  the  sailing  of  the  Sally 
Jlobitison,  the  adjutant  and  a  few  convalescents  took 
passage  on  the  steamship  Fulton,,  and  near  sunfall,  June 
first,  reached  the  landing  where  the  larger  part  of  the 
survivors  of  the  Sixteenth  were  bivouacked  awaiting 
orders. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE  INVESTMENT  OF  PORT  HUDSON. 

IT  h:ul  been  clearly  demonstrated  in  the  naval  engage 
ment,  March  fourteenth,  that  Port  Hudson  could  not 
be  captured,  on  the  river  side.  There  remained, 
therefore,  three  possible  ways  of  gaining  possession  of  it, 
which  were  these: — First,  there  could  be  instituted  a 
siege  that  would  starve  the  garrison  into  a  surrender. 
Second,  assaults  upon  the  works  could  be  made  that 
might  result  in  forcing  a  surrender.  Third,  General 
Banks,  any  time  after  May  twenty-third,  could  have 
withdrawn  his  forces  a  short  distance  and  the  enemy 
would  have  made  a  quick  and  voluntary  escape. 

This  last  statement  is  made  thus  positively  for  as  early 
as  that  date  General  Gardner  had  received  orders  from 
General  Johnson  to  abandon  Port  Hudson,  if  possible. 

Among  the  Confederate  records  we  found  in  the  Con 
gressional  library  the  following  letter  written,  under 
date  of  May  twenty-ninth,  18(58,  by  Colonel  Logan  to 
Genera]  Johnson  : 

41 1  have  had  no  communication  from  General  Gardner 
since  the  twenty-fourth.  On  that  night  he  intended,  if 
possible,  to  come  out  and  ordered  me  to  place  my  forces 


NKAV    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

so  as  to  assist  him,  which  I  did.  I  think  lie  found  it 
impossible  to  cut  his  way  out.  I  am  at  this  place  [Clin 
ton,  La.]  with  a  command  of  cavalry  and  mounted  infan 
try,  twelve  hundred  men,  doing  all  I  can  to  aid  Gardner, 
by  dashing  upon  the  enemy's  lines,  destroying  his  wagon 
trains,  etc.  T  am  determined  to  do  all  I  can  with  the 
means  at  my  command." 

It  thus  appeal's  that  Gardner  was  watching  for  an  op 
portunity  to  escape.  And  to  have  allowed  him  to  escape, 
as  will  appear  further  on,  would  have  been  on  the  whole, 
a  wiser  course  to  pursue  than  to  light,  though  under 
ordinary  circumstances  and  from  a  strictly  military 
point  of  view  such  a  course  at  that  time  doubtless 
would  have  been  open  to  criticism. 

But  the  method  adopted  by  our  forces  was  that  of  mak 
ing  assaults  upon  the  enemy  which  proved,  as  a  matter 
of  fact,  the  most  unwise  and  unfortunate  course  con 
ceivable. 

Our  regiment  had  reached  Springfield  Landing,  as  we 
have  said,  June  first,  but  the  investment  of  Port  Hudson 
had  been  completed  six  days  earlier,  May  twenty-fifth. 

The  disposition  of  our  forces  at  that  time  was  as  follows: 
General  Weit/el  occupied  the  extreme  right  ;  then  came 
Generals  Grover,  Paine,  Auger  and  Dwight,  in  the  order 
named,  Dwight  occupying  the  extreme  left. 

Farragut  was  stationed  above  Port  Hudson  with  the 
gunboats  I  fart  ford.  Albatross  and  a  few  smaller  ones, 
and  just  below  were  the  gunboats  Monongaltela,  Essex, 
(Icnnesee  and  Richmond,  together  with  several  mortal- 
boats  under  the  command  of  C.  II.  Caldwell. 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Banks  wrote  to  Grant  under  date  of  May  eighth  that 
as  early  as  May  twenty-fifth  he  should  have  fifteen  thous 
and  effective  men  before  Port  Hudson  ;  presumably  that 
was  about  the  number  engaged  in  the  siege  at  the  date 
of  which  we  are  writing. 

General  Frank  Gardner,  then  commanding  Port  Hud 
son,  had  asked  General  Johnson  for  reinforcements,  but 
they  could  not  be  furnished,  and  hence  Johnson's  order 
for  Gardner  to  escape  with  his  forces  if  possible.  But. 
this  Gardner  felt  he  could  not  do,  nor  could  he  commu 
nicate  any  longer  with  Johnson  or  the  outside  world. 
And  further,  he  had  no  means  by  land  or  water  for  ob 
taining  commissary  or  ordnance  supplies. 

It  was  commonly  reported,  too,  at  the  time,  that  his 
troops  had  been  reduced  to  "  mule  meat  "  and  "  fricasseed 
rats,"  which  probably  was  a  much  exaggerated  statement 
of  the  facts  in  the  case  ;  still  that  Gardner  was  in  great 
straits  never  has  been  questioned.  He  was  surrounded. 
Nearly  three  hundred  of  our  heavy  siege  guns  had  been 
brought  into  position  to  bombard  his  fortifications.  His 
men  were  deserting  daily,  and  some  of  them  came  within 
our  lines  in  a  half-starved  condition.  All,  therefore, 
that  Banks  need  to  have  done  was  to  be  patient,  wait  a 
little,  and  the  garrison  would  have  been  starved  into  an 
unconditional  surrender. 

That  such  should  have  been  the  method  of  conquest  is 
apparent  enough  from  our  present  point  of  view  and 
seemingly  it  ought  to  have  been  equally  apparent  at  the 
time  of  which  we  are  speaking. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    YOLTNTEEKS. 

In  a  ]etter  of  May  twenty-eighth  to  General  Grant, 
General  Banks  writes  thus  : 

"The  garrison  of  the  enemy  is  five  or  six  thousand 
men.  [This  appears  to  be  an  under  estimate.]  The 
works  are  what  ordinarily  would  be  styled  impregnable. 
They  are  surrounded  by  ravines,  woods,  valleys  and 
bayous  of  the  most  intricate  and  labyrinthic  character 
that,  make  the  works  themselves  almost  inaccessible.  It 
requires  time  even  to  understand  the  geography  of  the 
position.  If  it  be  possible  I  beg  you  to  send 

me  at  least  one  brigade  of  four  thousand  or  five  thousand 
men.  This  will  be  of  vital  importance  to  us.  We  may 
have  to  abandon  these  operations  without  it." 

In  his  Personal  Memoirs  General  Grant  gives  the  fol 
lowing  reasons  for  not  complying  with  Banks'  request. 
"  In  May  1  received  a  letter  from  General  Banks  asking 
me  to  reinforce  him  with  ten  thousand  men.  [There  is 
a  discrepancy  between  Grant's  and  Banks'  account  of 
the  number  of  men  asked  for.]  Of  course  I  did  not  com 
ply  with  his  request,  nor  did  I  think  he  needed  them. 
He  was  in  no  danger  of  an  attack  by  the  garrison  in  his 
front,  and  there  was  no  army  organizing  in  his  rear  to 
raise  the  siege." 

Now  in  view  of  these  facts  and  especially  in  view  of 
the  confessions  of  General  Banks,  we  cannot  help  asking 
this  question  : 

Why  should  an  assault  have  been  made  on  "  impreg 
nable  works"  and  on  "almost  inaccessible"  fortifications, 
especially  when  there  was  "no  danger  of  an  attack  by 
the  garrison  in  front,"  when  "there  was  no  army  or- 


JTISTOKY    OF    THE    SlXTEEXTIt    REdlMEXT 

gauized  in  the  rear  to  raise  the  siege  and  when  Gardner 
was  already  suffering  for  lack  of  supplies;!1' 

General  Grant,  with,  certainly  no  stronger  reasons,  had 
adopted  a  more  sensible  and  an  equally  military  course 
at  Vickslmrg.  That  is,  after  making  one  assault,  May 
twenty-second,  he  says,  in  his  Personal  Memoirs:  "  1 
now  determined  upon  a  regular  siege  to  out-camp  the 
enemy,  as  it  were,  and  to  incur  no  more  losses/' 

This  plan  was  carried  out  and  by  regular  "  siege  work  " 
General  Grant  brought  about  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg 
July  fourth,  the  siege  lasting  forty-six  days  which  was 
one  day  fewer  than  the  time  of  Banks'  investment  of  Port 
Hudson. 

And  if  any  good  reasons  can  be  given  why  the  method 
employed  by  Grant  should  not  have  been  adopted  by 
Banks,  we  cannot  imagine  what  they  can  be. 

The  resolution  of  Grant  not  to  imperil  the  lives  of  his 
men  by  storming  the  strong  fortifications  of  the  enemy 
was  not  only  sensible  and  humane,  but  under  the  cir 
cumstances  was  eminently  soldierly.  On  the  other  hand 
the  method  adopted  by  our  troops  we  cannot  characterize 
by  any  other  sentence  than  one  we  use  with  great  reluc 
tance,  namely,  that  the  method  of  Banks,  under  the  cir 
cumstances,  was  unsoldierly  and  seemingly  inhuman. 

In  this  history  it  is  not  for  us  to  go  fully  into  the 
details  of  the  first  attack  upon  Port  Hudson,  for  our 
regiment  had  not  yet  reached  there.  We  merely  say 
that  an  assault  was  made  on  the  enemy's  "impregnable" 
and  ''almost  inaccessible"  fortifications,  Sunday  morn 
ing,  May  twenty-seventh.  In  evidence  of  the  accuracy  of 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLTXTEERS.  225 

Banks'  description  of  tlie  strength  of  those  fortifications 
we  recount  the  slaughter  that  befel  the  Eighth  regiment 
of  our  own  state,  a  regiment  whose  brilliant  record,  we 
shall  be  pardoned  for  saying,  is  surpassed  by  that  of  no 
other  regiment  from  any  of  the  states  during  the  war  ;  a 
regiment  of  whose  fortitude  and  courage  our  state  always 
should  be  proud. 

It  will  be  remembered  by  those  who  are  familiar  with 
the  history  of  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps,  that  they 
were  the  Eighth  New  Hampshire  and  Fourth  Wisconsin 
which  led  oft1  in  almost  every  perilous  engagement  and 
expedition  everywhere  in  the  department  of  the  gulf. 

This  is  the  sanguinary  record  of  the  Eighth  during  that 
lirst  Sunday's  fighting: 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Lull  fell,  mortally  wounded,  by  a 
Miuie  ball,  early  in  the  charge,  while  cheering  ou  his 
men.  Captain  Flanders  and  Lieutenants  Jones  and  Lang- 
ley  were  also  wounded.  All  of  the  color  guard,  except 
ing  a  single  corporal,  were  killed  or  wounded  ;  "but  the 
gallant  survivor  kept  fast  hold  of  his  flag,  and  planted 
it  triumphantly  on  the  outer  slope  of  the  works,  where 
it  remained  till  night,  riddled  with  grape,  canister  and 
bullets/'  The  number  that  went  into  the  fight  was  two 
hundred  and  ninety-eight,  and  of  those  one  hundred  and 
twenty-four  were  killed  or  wounded. 

Such  was  the  fatality  of  that  one  regiment  in  that  dis 
astrous  assault,  and  the  losses  of  some  of  the  others  were 
scarcely  less.  Our  army  lost  in  all  that  day  nineteen 
linnd  red  and  ninety-Jive  men,  killed,  wounded  and  miss 
ing,  while  the  enemy's  loss  was  hardly  worthy  of  mention. 


2  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Those  melancholy  results  of  an  attempt  to  carry  ""im 
pregnable"  fortifications  should  have  been  as  one  would 
think  a  salutary  lesson  to  our  commanders. 

Such  was  the  state  of  affairs  when  the  Sixteenth  arrived 
at  Springfield  Landing  June  first.  On  the  evening  of  our 
arrival  Colonel  Pike  then  in  command,  ordered  the  men 
into  line,  and  it  was  found  that  sick  and  well,  rank  and 
file,  we  numbered  two  hundred  and  three,  though  we 
ought  to  say  that  there  was  scarcely  a  well  man  among 
them.  Some  of  the  number  were  so  emaciated  that 
friends  of  a  lifetime  scarcely  would  have  recognized  them. 

The  following  statements  will  furnish  some  idea  of  the 
shattered  condition  of  the  regiment  :  The  original  color 
guard  were  all  gone  and  the  three  that  stood  in  line  that 
afternoon  were  volunteers. 

It  became  necessary  to  reorganize  the  regiment  before 
attempting  an  advance.  The  members  of  companies  G 
and  K,  were  placed  under  the  command  of  Captain  Buffum 
and  Lieutenant  AVebber  ;  the  members  of  companies  A, 
B  and  G,  were  placed  under  command  of  Captain  Hersey 
and  Lieutenants  Cooper  and  Colburn  ;  the  members  of 
companies  F  and  H,  were  assigned  to  the  command  of 
Lieutenants  Adams  and  Ward  ;  and  the  members  of  com 
panies  C,  I)  and  E,  were  assigned  to  Captain  Clarke  and 
Lieutenant  Porter.  It  appeared  on  inspection  that  com 
pany  K  was  the  fullest  of  all  the  companies  and  yet  its 
condil  ion  was  nothing  to  boast  of.  It  had  no  commissioned 
officer  present  and  there  were  but  two  sergeants,  three 
corporals  and  twenty  privates  who  could  report  for  duty. 

Our  men  after  the  reorganization,  were  found  by  the 


NEW    HAMPSIIIKE    VOLUNTEERS.  227 

inspecting-  officers  and  surgeons  to  be  fitter  for  cots  in 
the  hospital  than  for  service  on  the  field,  yet  in  the  words 
of  one  of  our  officers,  "  Those  sick  men  almost  refused 
to  be  taken  to  the  hospitals,  so  eager  were  they  for  any 
death  except  death  by  disease  which  threatened  them/' 

At  Springfield  Landing  we  bivouacked  for  the  night 
with  blankets  for  beds  and  trees  for  tents.  Though  burn 
ing  with  fevers  and  shaking  with  ague  we  had  our  orders 
to  start  for  the  front  to  engage  with  the  other  troops  in 
an  assault  on  Port  Hudson  early  the  next  morning. 

Accordingly  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  with  a  cup 
of  coffee  and  hardtack  for  rations,  the  regiment  was 
formed  in  line  and  soon  after  began  its  languid  and  un 
steady  march  through  solitary  woods  whose  silence  was 
broken  by  the  occasional  hooting  of  owls  and  booming  of 
the  t4  big  guns"  of  our  batteries  that  were  trying  to 
silence  those  of  the  enemy. 

In  a  few  hours  we  expected  to  be  in  the  fight  and  in 
front  of  works  that  already  had  proved  too  strong  for  our 
troops  to  carry.  At  nine  o'clock  we  were  within  the 
outer  rifle  pits  of  the  enemy  that  previously  had  been 
stormed  and  carried  by  General  Anger. 

AVhile  still  moving  cautiously  towards  the  enemy's 
lines  we  were  halted  and  received  orders  from  General 
Banks  to  report  immediately  at  headquarters.  This 
change  in  the  disposition  of  our  regiment  was  made,  we 
presumed,  at  the  time,  because  of  some  threatened  danger 
at  that  point.  This,  however,  proved  not  to  be  the  case 
and  the  reason  of  the  order  soon  after  was  fully  explained 
in  this  wav  : 


228  HISTORY    OF    THE    SlXTKKXTIt    KKCIIMENT 

General  Emory,  who  was  then  on  duty  in  New  Orleans, 
after  receiving  our  regimental  report  and  after  listening 
to  Captain  Hyatt's  account  of  our  condition,  forwarded 
despatches  to  General  Banks  that  the  Sixteenth  New 
Hampshire  must  not  be  sent  to  the  front;  that  it  had 
suffered  enough  already  and  "at  best  could  muster  for 
service  only  a  few  skeletons." 

We  shall  be  pardoned  for  expressing  at ;  this  point  our  ad 
miration  for  the  soldierly  and  merciful  character  of  Gene 
ral  \V.  H.Emory  and  our  sense  of  gratitude  for  his  thought 
ful  consideration  on  two  occasions  for  our  regiment. 

\Ve  were  in  his  division  most  of  the  time  during  our 
campaign.  He  was  a  West  Point  graduate  (1881)  and 
was  first  captain,  then  major  in  the  war  with  Mexico, 
lie  took  part  as  brigadier-general  in  the  Peninsula  cam 
paign  in  1802.  He  was  absolutely  fearless,  staunchly 
loyal,  a  strict  disciplinarian  in  important  matters  but 
not  a  stickler  for  trivial  things.  More  than  once  he  re 
ceived  the  adjutant  in  person  when  regimental  represen 
tatives  and  requests  should  have  gone  to  him  only 
through  the  regular  channels. 

Though  having  great  interests  to  look  after  in  New 
Orleans,  sufficient  one  would  think  to  have  absorbed  his 
entire  thought,  still  he  had  his  eyes  upon  our  imperilled 
regiment  at  P>ntte  a  la  Rose  and  sent  Captain  Hyatt  to 
our  rescue.  And  no  sooner  had  he  received  a  detailed 
statement  of  our  condition  than  he  sent  his  report  and 
request  to  General  Banks  not  to  put  us  in  the  trenches. 

This  tribute  to  that  noble  officer  is  tardy,  but  is  de 
served  and  most  gratefully  rendered. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

General  Banks,  acting1  upon  this  leport  from  General 
Emory  and  probably  recalling  what  had  been  our  experi 
ences  as  seen  to  some  extent  by  himself  when  passing 
down  the  bayou  at  Butte  a  la  Rose,  countermanded  the 
order  that  was  sending  us  to  the  front  and  ordered  ns  to 
report  at  headquarters  where  we  were  assigned  the  duty 
of  issuing  and  guarding  ammunition. 

The  representations  of  Captain  Hyatt  respecting  our 
regiment,  and  the  report  of  General  Emory  to  General 
Banks,  wre  may  add,  receive  striking  confirmation  in  the 
fact  that  on  the  morning  of  June  seventh,  one  wreek  after 
our  arrival  at  Springfield  Landing  we  could  muster  from 
the  entire  regiment  only  seventy-five  men  fit  for  duty. 
There  were  daily  deaths  and  in  a  single  day  while  there 
at  Port  Hudson  we  carried  to  the  grave  six  of  the  few 
comrades  who  were  left.  Some  of  the  men  attempting  to 
walk  to  the  surgeon's  tent  fell  dead  in  their  tracks,  and 
others  died  in  their  tents,  unattended  and  without  utter 
ing  a  moan.  We  quote  in  confirmation  of  what  we  are 
saying  a  fe\v  words  from  one  of  our  most  efficient  officers, 
Captain  John  L.  Rice  : — 

"At  last  we  were  permitted  to  come  out  of  those  terri 
ble  swamps  upon  a  fair  field,  and  with  an  enthusiasm 
which  I  never  have  seen  equalled,  our  boys  took  their 
place  in  line  and  fairly  courted  a  soldier's  death. 

"But  it  was  too  late.  The  fatal  poison  had  done  its 
work.  Daily  and  hourly  our  boys  sickened  and  died. 
Every  morning  they  were  found  dead  in  their  blank 
ets.  At  i oil-call,  while  answering  feebly  to  their  names 
thev  would  fall  down  and  die  in  their  tracks.  Time 


232  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

and  again  I  saw  them  all  accoutred  for  battle,  with 
eyes  to  the  front  and  musket  in  hand,  stagger,  sink  to 
the  ground  where  they  had  been  standing,  as  dead  as  if 
shot  in  their  tracks.  Once  when  a  funeral  squad  had 
fired  the  last  volley  over  the  grave  of  a  comrade,  one  of 
the  squad  moved  forward,  sank  upon  the  fresh  mound 
of  his  dead  comrade  and  breathed  his  last.  Another 
grave  was  hastily  dug,  another  volley  fired  and  that 
comrade  was  covered  from  sight." 

Sunday,  June  thirteenth,  brings  us  to  the  second 
unfortunate  and  unjustifiable  assault  on  Port  Hudson. 
Tt  was  at  best  a  reckless  Sunday  adventure  which  many 
of  our  New  England  men  engaged  in  without  heart,  or 
enthusiasm. 

The  general  plan  of  that  assault,  as  is  supposed,  was 
formulated  by  General  Banks,  though  General  Grover 
appeal's  to  have  arranged  the  particulars.  Grover  and 
Weitzel  were  to  make  the  main  attack  upon  the  extreme 
northeasterly  angle  of  the  enemy's  works,  and  at  the 
same  time  Generals  Auger  and  Dwight  were  to  make  an 
attack  on  the  left.  General  Weitzel' s  troops  were  to 
make  a  vigorous  assault  and  if  possible  gain  a  position 
inside  the  enemy's  works,  and  when  this  was  done 
General  Paine's  division  was  to  move  to  their  immediate 
support  at  an  angle  of  the  fortih'cations  not  far  distant. 

At  early  dawn  Weitzel' s  column,  through  a  covered 
way  that  had  been  excavated  to  within  one  hundred 
yards  of  the  outer  works  of  the  Confederates,  began  its 
march.  But  as  it  emerged  from  its  concealment  it  was 
met  by  an  unexpected  and  murderous  fire  from  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  233 

enemy.  It  appears  that  General  Gardner,  the  Confed 
erate  commander,  had  been  i'ully  informed  of  Banks1 
intentions  and  accordingly  his  troops  were  massed  at 
that  very  point  to  meet  our  attack. 

Welt/el's  troops  were  thus  repulsed  and  appear  to 
have  been  quite  demoralized  before  Paine' s  division  had 
fairly  gotten  under  way.  This  failure  of  co  operation  of 
Weitzel  and  Paine  was  a  fatal  mistake.  For  when  Paine 
had  reached  the  point  where  he  \vasto  make  his  assault, 
Gardner  was  there  before  him.  He  had  reinforced  the 
troops  already  there  with  those  that  had  just  repulsed 
Weitzel  and  thus  was  able  to  confront  Paine  with  a 
force  that  staggered  and  then  drove  him  back.  The 
facts  are  that  Gardner  had  completely  out-generaled 
our  troops. 

Dwiglit's  attack  on  the  left  which  should  have  been 
made  simultaneously  with  that  of  AVeitzel  on  the  right, 
came  too  late,  owing  it  is  said,  to  the  misdirection  of  the 
guides  and  hence  proved  an  utter  failure. 

The  late  afternoon  and  night  hours  of  the  day  of  that 
bloody  defeat  overtook  a  body  of  Union  troops  that 
%twere  discouraged,  worn  out,  almost  dazed  with  grief 
and  disappointment  and  perhaps  hardened  somewhat: 
with  the  scenes  through  which  they  had  passed.1'  And 
no  one  familiar  with  the  events  of  that  and  the  previous 
Sunday  assaults,  can  blame  the  disheartened  men. 

The  historian  of  the  Sixteenth,  having  received  per 
mission  to  be  absent  from  headquarters  for  the  day,  spent 
the  afternoon  and  evening  among  our  defeated  troops 
and  a  part  of  the  time  on  the  ground  that  had  witnessed 


234  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

the  repulse  of  \VeitzeF  s  division  and  therefore  from  per- 
sonal  obsei'vation  knows  of  what  he  is  speaking. 

We  must  again  compliment  the  regiment  already  re 
ferred  to,  the  Eighth  New  Hampshire,  and  we  employ  its 
losses  as  before  by  way  of  illustration.  The  general 
order  for  that  day  was  the  following: 

HEADQUARTERS  THIRD  DIVISION,      | 
Before  Port  Hudson,  June  12th,  ISO;-*,  f 

GENERAL  ORDERS:   No.   04. 

COLT. MX    OE    ATTACK. 

Eighth  New  Hampshire,   Fourth  Wisconsin,   as  skirm 
ishers,  intervals  two  paces. 

Five  companies.   Fourth  Massachusetts    and  One  Hun 
dred  Tenth  New  York,  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

The  Eighth  New  Hampshire  entered  that  light  with  two 
hundred  and  seventeen  men  and  lost  one  hundred  and 
twenty-two  out  of  the  number. 

\Ve  cannot  help  feeling  intense  indignation  that  our 
New  Hampshire  men,  as  true  and  noble  soldiers  as 
ever  walked  the  earth,  were  sacrificed  so  needlessly 
and  uselessly  before  Port  Hudson.  Brave  men!  and  we 
include  our  heroic  comrades  of  the  Fifteenth  New 
Hampshire  as  well,  who  participated  in  those  assaults, 
you  did  as  commanded  and  deserve  all  praise,  but  your 
slaughter  with  nothing  of  advantage  to  show  for  it 
constitutes  one  of  the  deplorable  pages  of  the  military 
history  of  the  l/nited  States  of  America. 

And  we  shall  be  pardoned  in  passing  for  speaking  a 
word  in  commendation  of  the  colored  troops  who  fought 


«»' 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  237 

with  us  and  to  whom  the  nation  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude 
not  yet  paid.  Colonel  Stafford,  of  the  first  regiment  of 
the  Black  Brigade,  while  encamped,  the  historian  is 
proud  to  say,  near  our  own  regiment  at  Baton  Rouge, 
handed  the  regimental  colors  to  the  sergeant,  who  was 
as  black  as  a  negro  could  be,  closing  his  speech  with 
these  words: — "Color  bearer,  guard,  defend,  protect, 
die  for,  but  do  not  surrender  these  colors/'  To  which 
the  sergeant  replied: — "Colonel,  I'll  return  this  nag  to 
you,  in  honor,  or  I'll  report  to  God  the  reason  why.'1 

The  negro  sergeant,  in  that  desperate  charge  on  Port 
Hudson,  fell  mortally  wounded.  But  his  ebony  face 
was  to  the  enemy  ;  and  those  colors  in  his  clenched 
hands  were  pressed  upon  his  breast,  and  the  God  above 
knew  the  reason  why  he  did  not  return  the  flag  to  his 
colonel. 

The  total  loss  to  our  forces  in  that  second  Sunday's  at- 
attack  was  eighteen  hundred  and  jive  men,  and  as  in 
the  former  assault,  scarcely  any  damage  was  done  to 
the  enemy. 

Those  two  disastrous  defeats  and  the  general  con 
dition  of  our  troops,  as  might  be  expected,  greatly 
emboldened  the  Confederate  forces  that  were  then  hov 
ering  about  us.  The  wonder  is  that  Gardner  and  Green 
after  those  defeats  and  in  our  crippled  condition  did 
not  attempt  to  entrap,  if  not  to  crush  our  army  between 
their  forces,  which  we  think  easily  could  have  been  done. 

This  manifestly  was  Logan's  conviction.  For  under 
date  of  June  twenty-ninth  he  wrote  thus  to  General 
J ohnson : 


238  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

"As  I  have  already  stated,  a  small  reinforcement 
sent  here  will  not  only  raise  the  siege  of  Port  Hudson 
but  drive  the  enemy  from  the  country,  and  I  believe 
from  Baton  Rouge.1' 

The  issuing  and  guarding  of  ammunition  at  head 
quarters  constituted  the  service  of  our  regiment  outside 
of  Port  Hudson  from  June  second  to  July  tenth  and 
inside  of  Port  Hudson  from  that  date  to  July  twentieth. 

Day  after  day  and  night  after  night  during  the  time 
preceding  the  fall  of  Port  Hudson  rifles  were  cracking 
and  cannon  booming  and  occasional  shots  came  into  our 
camp,  though  no  one  of  our  men  was  struck.  We  felt 
the  importance  of  the  service  assigned,  and  were  so 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  our  duties  and  had  the  confi 
dence  of  (General  Banks  to  such  extent  that  there 
appeared  to  be  no  inclination  on  his  part  to  transfer  us 
to  other  service,  though  at  our  best,  while  before  Port 
Hudson,  we  could  muster  scarcely  a  hundred  men  for 
duty. 

During  a  period  of,  perhaps,  two  weeks  before  the 
surrender  of  Port  Hudson  we  were  ordered  out  morninu1 
after  morning,  at  3.30  o'clock  and  stood  under  arms 
until  daylight  to  repel  a  possible  and  what  at  times 
seemed,  a  probable  attack  on  headquarters  by  forces 
under  Logan  that  were  closing  in  about  us  and  con 
stantly  testing  the  strength  of  our  position. 

Confederate  cavalrymen  and  mounted  infantry,  not  in 
very  large  numbers,  however,  were  annoying  our  lines 
all  the  way  from  Springfield  Landing  to  Port  Hudson. 
Indeed  there  were  detachments  of  the  enemv  at  different 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  289 

points  down  the  river  as  far  as  Donaldsonville  where 
there  was  a  force  under  General  Green  of  from  fifteen 
hundred  to  two  thousand  men. 

And  we  repeat  that  if  the  condition  of  our  troops 
after  the  two  attacks  on  Port  Hudson  had  been  fully 
known,  and  had  Green  crossed  the  river  and  concentrated 
his  forces  in  our  rear,  had  "  Dick"  Taylor  made  a  little 
more  show  in  his  demonstration  against  New  Orleans, 
when  he  moved  east  from  Brashear  City,  and  had  Gard 
ner  assumed  the  offensive  aided  by  Logan,  seemingly  the 
capitulation  of  Banks'  army  inevitably  must  have  fol 
lowed. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


THREE  AFFAIRS  OF  INDEPENDENT  AND 
IMPORTANT  INTEREST. 


i.    "THE  STORMING  COLUMN"   OR   kk  FORLORN    HOPE/ 


THE  day  after  the  last  assault  on    Port  IF  nelson,  June 
fourteenth,  was  a  gloomy  one  and  was   passed   by 
the   troops  in  burying  such   of  their  dead  as  had 
been  brought  oft'  the  field,  in  caring  for  the  wounded  and 
in  estimating  the  various  losses  and  casualties  that  had 
befallen  onr  army. 

Ft  was  during  that  day,  too,  that  General  Banks 
issued  his  famous  order,  number  forty-nine,  calling  for 
volunteers  to  constitute  a  "  Storming  Column,"  or 
"Forlorn  Hope"  as  it  was  called.  'Those  volunteers 
were  to  assault  Port  Hudson,  as  was  expected  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet,  and  the  place  for  the  attack  was 
to  be  not  far  from  the  extreme  right  of  our  army.  The 
following  was  the  order  issued  ;— 


NE\V    IIAMPSinHK    VOLUNTEERS.  241 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPT.  OF  THE  GULF, 

i gth  ARMY  CORPS, 

BEFORE  PORT  HUDSON,   LA.,  June  15,   1863. 
General  Order  No.  49. 

"The  Commanding  General  congratulates  the  troops  before 
Port  Hudson,  upon  the  steady  advance  made  upon  the  enemy's 
works,  and  is  confident  of  an  immediate  and  triumphant  issue  of 
the  contest.  We  are  at  all  points  upon  the  threshold  of  his  forti 
fications.  One  more  advance  and  they  are  ours. 

"For  the  last  duty  that  victory  imposes,  the  Commanding 
General  summons  the  bold  men  of  the  Corps  to  the  organization 
of  a  Storming  Column  of  a  thousand  men,  to  vindicate  the  Flag 
of  the  Union  and  the  memory  of  its  defenders  who  have  fallen  ! 
Let  them  come  forward  ! 

"Officers  who  led  the  Column  of  Victory  in  the  last  assault 
ma}-  be  assured  of  a  just  recognition  of  their  services  by  promo 
tion,  and  every  Officer  and  Soldier  who  shares  its  perils  and  its 
glories  shall  receive  a  medal  fit  to  commemorate  the  first  grand 
success  of  the  campaign  of  1863  for  the  freedom  of  the  Mississippi. 
His  name  shall  be  placed  in  General  Orders  on  the  roll  of  Honor. 

"Division  Commanders  will  at   once  report  the  names  of  the 
Officers  and  Men  who  may  volunteer  for  this  service,  in  order  that 
the  organization  of  the  Column  may  be  completed  without  delay. 
"  By  command  of 

"  MAJ.   GEX.   BANKS. 
"RICHARD  B.   IRWIN,  Asst   Ajt.  Gen." 


Colonel  Henry  W.  Bridge  was  assigned  command  of 
tlie  Storming  Column,  having  for  his  staff  Captain  Duncan 
S.  Walker,  assistant  adjutant-general,  and  Lieutenant 
Kdmund  II.  Russell  of  the  ninth  Pennsylvania  Reserves, 
acting  signal  officer. 

The  hearts  of  some  of  the  bravest  and  most  patriotic 
of  our  men  were  moved,  as  might  be  expected,  by  the 
reading  of  this  order,  but  the  hearts  of  others  equally 


242  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     R EG  I M EXT 

brave  mid  patriotic,  who  had  been  taking  into  account 
the  entire  situation  of  affairs,  so  far  as  it  could  be  taken 
into  account  by  them,  were  not  moved.  Indeed  the 
order  failed  utterly  to  awaken  any  enthusiasm  in  the 
hearts  of  the  majority  of  the  army.  On  the  contrary  it 
elicited  much  unfavorable  comment,  and  in  some  in 
stances,  severe  criticism. 

Two  months  earlier,  five  thousand  men  at  least,  would 
have  volunteered  unhesitatingly  for  that  service.  P>ut 
the  outlook  had  changed.  And  who  will  say  there  were 
not  the  best  of  reasons  for  taking  a  different  view  of 
affairs  \ 

Certainly  from  our  present  point  of  view  an  attempt  to 
carry  out  the  order  of  General  Banks  would  have  been 
unwise  and  even  foolhardy.  Not  one  good  reason  can  be 
advanced  for  supposing  that  the  assault  contemplated 
by  the  "Forlorn  Hope"  would  have  brought  results 
different  from  those  that  followed  the  attacks  of  May 
twenty-seventh  and  of  June  fourteenth.  Our  ranks  had 
been  depleted  and  our  men  were  more  debilitated  than 
they  were  at  those  earlier  dates.  And  besides  we  were 
feeling  the  discouragement  and  chagrin  of  a  double 
defeat. 

And  further  if  that  proposed  assault  had  been  made 
and  had  resulted  disastrously,  there  is  every  likelihood 
that  Gardner  would  have  been  emboldened  to  attack  us 
in  front  while  Logan,  and  possibly  Green  after  crossing 
the  river,  would  have  made  an  assault  upon  us  in  the 
rear.  If  that  had  been  done  the  chances  were  many  fold 
that  Gardner,  as  we  have  suggested,  would  have  dictated 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  243 

terms  of  surrender  to  Banks  instead  of  Banks  dictating 
them  to  Gardner. 

AVe  are  fully  aware  of  the  fact  that  efforts  have  been 
made  to  excuse  the  two  assaults  that  had  been  made  and 
the  third  one  that  Avas  proposed,  on  the  "-round  that  a 
large  number  of  the  troops  in  the  Nineteenth  Army 
Corps  were  nine-months'  men  whose  time  of  enlistment 
already  had  expired  or  was  about  to  expire,  and  that 
their  withdrawal  would  so  weaken  the  army  that  the 
troops  remaining  would  be  forced  to  raise  the  siege  and 
return  to  New  Orleans. 

Hut  the  great  majority  of  those  nine-months'  men 
never  would  have  left  General  Banks  in  such  distress, 
and  he  must  have  known  it.  There  were  some  of  those 
men  who  without  complaint  already  had  over-served 
their  time,  and  some  of  them,  including  those  of  the  Six 
teenth,  had  signified  their  intention,  without  regard  to 
their  term  of  enlistment,  to  remain  until  the  peril  then 
threatening  our  army  was  passed. 

We  ought  in  all  fairness  to  add  that  doubtless  the 
peril  threatening  New  Orleans  which  was  at  that  time 
very  great  also  may  have  influenced  Banks  in  making  the 
assault  on  Port  Hudson. 

Under  date  of  July  fourth,  1SO)>,  General  Emory  wrote 
thus  to  Banks  : — 

"  I  respectfully  suggest  that,  unless  Port  Hudson  be 
already  taken  you  can  save  this  city  (New  Orleans)  only 
by  sending  me  reinforcements  immediately  and  at  any 
cost.  It  is  a  choice  between  Port  Hudson  and  New 
Orleans.' 


244  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEC-S-IMEXT 

But  the  risk  of  a  third  assault  we  insist  was  too  great 
notwithstanding  the  peril  threatening  both  Port  Hudson 
and  lSrew  Orleans,  for  in  case  of  failure,  the  then  exist 
ing  peril  would  have  been  multiplied  many  fold. 

General  Banks  doubtless  was  gratified  that  his  appeal 
met  a  noble  response,  nearly  nine  hundred  men  immedi 
ately  enlisting  for  the  perilous  undertaking. 

Soon  after  its  enrolment  that  volunteer  company,  "  The 
Storming  Column,''  went  into  camp  at  the  north  of  Port 
Hudson. 

June  thirteenth,  General  Banks  in  expectation  that 
the  assault  was  about  to  be  made,  addressed  in  the 
following  words  quite  a  company  of  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  Storming  Column  who  had  assembled  for  that  pur 
pose  near  headquarters  :— 

"Soldiers!  As  I  look  in  your  faces,  I  rend  suffering  ;  I  see 
marks  of  trial ;  and  yet  I  see  determination — patience  !  No 
soldiers  ever  had  a  nobler  record  than  those  who  compose  the  Army 
of  the  Gulf.  Beginning  with  nothing,  it  has  created  itself,  until 
it  is  far  superior  in  power  to  any  army  of  its  size  in  the  United 
States. 

"You  have  actually  marched  more  than  five  hundred  miles, 
scattered  the  enemy  to  the  winds  wherever  you  have  found  him  ; 
utterly  destroyed  his  army  and  navy,  and  now  you  hold  him 
captive  for  the  last  and  greatest  triumph.  Never  were  you  called 
to  nobler  duty  than  that  now  resting  upon  you. 

"  Open  the  Mississippi  river,  give  joy  to  the  country  and  receive 
shouts  of  joy  such  as  have  never  been  borne  to  any  branch 
of  the  Union  army,  and  the  reward  God  ever  gives  to  those  who 
go  forth  to  defend  the  country's  rights. 

"A  little  more  than  a  month  ago  you  found  the  enemy  in  the 
open  country  far  away  from  these  scenes.  Now  he  is  hemmed  in 
and  surrounded.  A  few  days  ago  we  could  neither  see  bastion, 
parapet  or  citadel. 


XEW    IT  A  MIXTURE    VOLUNTEERS.  245 

"  Now  all  is  changed  !  Our  guns  range  all  over  the  works.  We 
stand  here  and  look  over  at  the  enemy  face  to  face.  It  was  when 
we  were  at  a  distance,  when  we  had  to  cover  the  labyrinth  of 
ravine,  hill  and  bayou  that  our  brothers  fell  in  large  numbers. 

'  'Our  position  is  one  now  of  perfect  safety  in  contrast.  Look  about 
you  ;  right,  left,  front  and  rear,  our  flag  is  on  the  threshold  of  his 
works.  What  remains  is,  to  close  upon  him  and  secure  him 
within  our  grasp.  We  want  the  close  hug  !  When  you  get  an 
enemy's  head  under  your  arm,  you  can  pound  him  at  your  will. 
Let  us  go  in  then  and  he  can  never  beat  us  back.  The  hug  he 
will  never  recover  from,  until  the  Devil,  the  arch  Rebel,  gives  him 
his  own  ! 

"All  about  me  I  see  written  determination — will — courage — 
that  will  conquer  !  and  who  doesn't  know  that  our  cause  is  the 
best  under  the  sun  ? 

"Whenever  the  tidings  of  our  triumph  goes  forth,  you  will  hear 
a  shout  such  as  you  never  heard.  We  hear  that  the  Rebel  army 
is  moving  North  from  Virginia,  spreading  out  into  the  borders  of 
the  states  beyond  the  Potomac.  This  will  necessarily  depress 
those  at  home. 

"But  how  will  their  hearts  be  cheered  and  how  will  they 
shower  their  blessings  upon  you  when  they  hear  the  news  of  your 
triumph.  Your  names  will  be  entered  upon  the  archives  of  your 
country — art  will  perpetuate  your  struggles. 

"This  siege — the  coming  struggle  and  victory — all  will  be 
carried  down  to  posterity.  Their  pride  will  be  that  their  friends 
\vere  present  at  the  conflict  that  results  in  the  opening  of  the 
Mississippi. 

"  You  deserve  rest  !  You  have  earned  it  ;  but  I  must  ask  you 
with  power  and  force  to  finish  the  work  you  commenced  April  first 
at  Berwick.  Make  a  record  for  yourselves  and  children,  and  then 
take  the  rest  you  have  earned.  I  have  come  to  ask  you  to  prepare 
yourself  for  the  last  great  struggle. 

"  Go  forward  with  ordinary  exhibition  of  spirit  and  strength, 
and  victory  is  yours.  The  enemy  of  your  country  will  be  your 
captive.  Your  flag  will  wave  over  the  battlements  of  Port 
Hudson.  Open  the  Mississippi  river,  and  the  rebellion  is  at  an 
end.  Your  fathers,  mothers,  sisters,  all  will  hail  the  news  with 


240  HISTORY    OF    TUP:    SIXTEENTH    RKOIMKXT 

delight  and  bless  you  forever.  You  have  suffered  deprivations, 
you  have  made  great  sacrifices;  but  after  it,  comes  glory,  and  after 
glory,  rest  !  Buckle  on  the  armor  then,  make  this  one  more  great 
exertion. 

"I  assure  you,  in  the  name  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  that  you  can  confer  a  favor  no  greater  upon  your  country 
than  this  !  no  appeal  that  I  can  make  can  express  the  importance 
of  this  movement.  Give  us  one  more  effort  and  we  will  whip  the 
enemy  until  desolation  shall  leave  him  as  naked  as  the  vulgar  air.1' 

In  this  address  as  it  must  be  confessed  Banks,  as  the 
saying  goes,  put  his  best  foot  forward  and  made  out  a 
case  quite  as  strong*  as  the  facts  would  warrant  ;  indeed 
stronger,  in  some  respects,  as  every  soldier  who  was  there 
before  Port  Hudson  and  who  had  been  a  careful  observer, 
must  1 1 jive  felt. 

The  fourth  of  July,  1808,  was  derided  upon  for  that 
final  assault.  Accordingly  on  the  third  of  .July  Generals 
Banks,  Weit/el,  G  rover,  Granger,  Emory  and  several  of 
their  staff  officers,  and  the  officers  of  many  of  the  regi 
ments,  visited  the  camp  of  the  "Forlorn  Hope"1  and 
received  messages  from  the  boys  for  the  "dear  ones  at 
home.'1  (rood-byes  and  farewells  wrere  sorrowfully  ex 
changed,  for  no  one  could  reasonably  expect  that  any  of 
those  volunteers  if  the  attack  were  made  would  escape 
death,  wounds,  or  Confederate  prisons. 

General  Banks  on  that  occasion  addressed  the  volun 
teers,  saying  suggestively  among  other  things  "that 
when  their  ranks  were  broken  they  would  better  go  to 
their  several  tents,  write  letters  to  their  friends  and 
loved  ones  at  home,  and  then  rest  in  preparation  for  the 
duties  of  the  morrow.1" 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  247 

The  assault  was  to  be  made  at  daybreak  and  they, 
poor  men,  were  promised  that  they  "should  eat  break 
fast  inside  the  rebel  works." 

The  long  roll  was  sounded  at  half  past  two  in  the 
morning,  and  each  member  of  the  "Storming  Column'" 
silently  took  his  place  in  the  line  ready  to  meet  the 
bloody  fate  that  surely  awaited  him  it'  the  attack  were 
made. 

General  Banks  and  staff  soon  after  appeared.  He  rode 
down  the  line  and  back,  then  to  a  point  near  the  center 
where  he  halted.  Hat  in  hand  lie  then  saluted  the  men. 
He  next  deliberately  drew  from  his  breast  pocket  a 
despatch  from  General  ({rant  announcing  the  fall  of 
Yicksburg  and  in  a  most  impressive  manner  read  it  to 
the  troops. 

General  Hanks  then  said  to  the  volunteers  that  in  view 
of  the  fall  of  Yicksburg,  the  contemplated  assault  would 
be  postponed  until  further  orders.  Fortunate  provi 
dence  !  We  had  been  spared  another  sacrifice. 

The  men  retired  again  to  their  tents.  Many  of  them 
having  passed  a  wakeful  night  quickly  fell  asleep,  and 
dreamed,  and  woke  not  to  the  horrid  din  and  roar  of 
battle  and  scenes  of  carnage,  but  to  honorable  mention, 
Avhich  they  certainly  deserved. 

AVhen  at  length  the  "  Forlorn  Hope"  had  the  merited 
honor  of  leading  the  other  troops  as  they  entered  Fort 
Hudson  to  take  possession  after  its  surrender,  no  one 
was  inclined  to  raise  an  objection. 

The  Sixteenth  regiment  contributed  to  the  "Forlorn 
llopn"  the  following  officers  and  men:  Company  A, 


248  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Corporal  Daniel  C.  Dacey  ;  Company  B,  Private  Edward 
J.  Wiley  ;  Company  C,  Lieutenant  Edward  J.  O'Don- 
nell,  Corporal  Clinton  Bohannon  and  Private  Asa  Bur 
gess  ;  Company  F,  Lieutenant  Edgar  E.  Adams  ;  Com 
pany  II,  Captain  John  L.  Rice  ;  Company  K,  Corporal 
William  A.  Rand  and  Private  Rufus  L.  Jones.  The 
name  of  Corporal  Rand  appears  first  on  that  roll. 

While  according  all  praise  to  those  brave  men  of  our 
own  regiment  and  to  their  comrades  from  other  regi 
ments,  we  cast  no  reflections  upon  those  who  declined  to 
answer  the  call  of  General  Banks.  There  was  no  lack 
of  courage  but  many  of  our  men  believed  there  would  be 
simply  another  waste  of  life  with  nothing  gained  by  the 
assault.  If  ordered  to  make  an  attack  our  troops  would 
have  obeyed,  but  they  did  not  care  to  volunteer  in  what 
seemed  to  them  to  be  a  hopeless  and  useless  undertaking. 

As  everybody  who  knew7  anything  of  the  Department 
of  the  Gulf  will  acknowledge,  no  more  courageous  men 
ever  stood  in  the  ranks  of  an  army  than  those  who  com 
posed  the  Eighth  New7  Hampshire  and  the  Fourth  Wis 
consin  regiments.  Yet  only  three  men  from  the  former 
and  only  one  from  the  latter  regiment,  volunteered  in 
that  last  proposed  venture  against  Port  Hudson. 

We  may  add  that  the  months  and  years  of  delay  in 
giving  to  those  brave  and  patriotic  volunteers  the  memo 
rial  that  was  promised  at  the  time,  is  a  well-nigh  unpar 
donable  neglect  on  the  part  of  the  ITnited  States  govern 
ment.  What  duty  is  more  imperative  than  for  a 
government  to  fulfil  its  pledges  to  those  who  offered 
themselves  in  sacrifice  to  preserve  the  Union  ! 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  249 

I  I.     ATTACK     AT    SPRINGFIELD    LANDING. 

Springfield  Landing  is  six  or  seven  miles  distant  from 
the  nearest  point  to  Port  Hudson  and  was  somewhat 
further  from  General  Banks1  headquarters.  It  was  the 
landing  place  for  the  various  supplies  intended  for  our 
troops  who  were  then  besieging  Port  Hudson. 

At  the  time  of  which  we  are  writing,  early  in  July, 
there  were  immense  quantities  of  quartermasters  and 
commissary  stores,  ammunition  and  medical  supplies 
piled  along  the  shore  of  that  landing  awaiting  transpor 
tation. 

For  the  purpose  of  protecting  those  supplies  the  men 
of  the  Sixteenth,  commanded  by  Captain  Hersey,  to 
gether  with  the  One  Hundred  Sixty-Second  New  York, 
were  detached  from  the  main  army,  and  Captain  Hersey 
was  appointed  provost  marshal. 

Confederate  scouts,  though  appearing  at  no  point  in 
large  numbers,  constantly  had  been  hovering  along  the 
road  between  the  Landing  and  Port  Hudson,  which  ran 
for  a  larger  part  of  the  distance  through  a  well- wooded 
and  deserted  country.  The  Confederate  colonel,  J.  L. 
Logan,  a  bold  and  dashing  officer,  was  raiding  in  our 
rear  and  doing  no  little  mischief.  In  his  report  to  Gen 
eral  Johnson  he  said,  UI  will  range  around  through  the 
country  and  whenever  an  opportunity  offers,  will  strike 
the  enemy." 

Still,  an  attack  by  Logan  at  Springfield  Landing  was 
hardly  expected,  and  certainly  had  not  been  provided 
for.  Accordingly,  on  July  second,  at  nine  o'clock  in  the 


250  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

morning,  our  men  were  treated  to  a  genuine  surprise. 
Indeed,  fora  few  moments  there  was  consternation  among 
them.  A  regiment  of  Texan  rangers,  sometimes  called 
k' bush  whackers,"  under  command  of  the  Confederate, 
Colonel  Towers,  numbering  from  two  to  four  hundred, 
though  seeming  to  our  startled  men  to  number  several 
thousands,  without  a  moment's  warning  dashed  in  among 
our  troops  taking  temporary  possession  of  all  supplies. 
They  came  from  the  southwest  and  with  such  boldness 
that  the  men  on  the  picket  line,  belonging  to  the  One 
Hundred  Sixty-Second  New  York,  supposed  at  first  that 
they  were  our  own  cavalry. 

Not  a  shot  was  fired  by  our  men  until  they  had  been 
surrounded.  As  soon  as  the  mistake  was  discovered 
the  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  Sixty-Second  New  York 
with  a  resolute  effort  attempted  to  rally  his  men,  but  all 
to  no  purpose,  at  least  so  far  as  getting  them  into  shape 
to  repel  the  attack  was  concerned. 

But  his  courageous  efforts  and  energetic  commands 
appear  to  have  been  of  important  service,  for  the  Con 
federates  fearing  that  the  New  York  men  were  being- 
ordered  into  position  to  cut  off  their  retreat,  and  suffer 
ing  somewhat  from  the  men  of  the  Sixteenth  who  after 
the  first  surprise  had  begun  to  fire  upon  them,  escaped 
almost  as  suddenly  as  they  had  come  upon  us. 

In  Colonel  Trwin's  report  to  General  Banks  we  were 
gratified  to  find  this  acknowledgment:  "The  provost 
guard  commanded  by  Captain  A.  ,1.  llersey,  Sixteenth 
New  Hampshire  made  a  fight  from  behind  the  levee  and 
drove  the  enemy  off,  killing  three  including  a  captain 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

and  wounding  five  of  their  number.  Captain  Hersey's 
loss  was  three  wounded,  three  prisoners  and  one  missing/' 

The  enemy  remained  within  our  lines  scarcely  more 
than  twenty  minutes.  They  set  fire  to  a  large  quantity 
of  clothing  and  garrison  equippage,  but  the  bulk  of  the 
stores  were  saved.  Colonel  Logan's  report  sent  to  Rich 
mond  that  he  had  "burned  all  the  enemy's  stores, 
destroyed  a  hundred  \vagons  and  killed  and  wounded  a 
hundred  and  forty  men,"  was  of  course  a  Confederate 
falsehood.  The  facts  were  that  they  had  taken  but 
twenty-five  prisoners,  only  three  belonging  to  the  Six 
teenth,  and  they  were  released  within  a  few  hours. 
Only  one  of  our  men,  Private  Johnson  of  Company  G, 
was  killed. 

The  audacity  of  that  raid,  the  little  damage  done  with 
the  opportunity  of  doing  much,  the  firmness  with  which 
our  men  (with  two  or  three  exceptions)  stood  their 
ground,  especially  those  of  the  Sixteenth,  judging  from 
Irwin's  report  to  Banks,  and  the  precipitate  flight  of  the 
enemy  are  matters  of  congratulation. 

AVe  shall  be  justified,  perhaps,  in  adding  at  this  point 
another1  complimentary  announcement  made  to  General 
Banks  by  General  Irwiu.  It  came  about  in  this  way  : — 

A  few  days  after  that  attack  at  Springfield  Landing 
a  detachment  of  dust-covered  Federal  cavalry  under  a 
dim  light  dashed  into  our  lines.  The  contrabands  under 
our  charge,  of  whom  there  were  almost  a  multitude,  be 
gan  the  cry — "  The  Kebs — the  Kebs — are  coming."  This 
was  echoed  by  hundreds  of  others  and  created  a  panic  ; 
there  was  a  wild  rush  of  negroes,  teams,  teamsters  and 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

frightened  soldiers.  Speaking  of  thai  affair  Colonel 
Irwin  in  his  report  to  Banks  says :  "At  the  bluff  they 
were  stopped  by  the  bayonets  of  the  Sixteenth  New 
Hampshire  which  formed  with  great  promptitude  behind 

the  levee." 

III.       DKFKNTE    OF     FOKT    BI'TLKK    AT    DONALDSON  V I LLE. 

It  will  be  remembered  by  the  reader  that  at  the  time 
the  Sixteenth  left  Butte  a  la  Rose,  many  of  the  men 
being  too  enfeebled  to  proceed  with  the  regiment  to  Port 
Hudson  were  left,  some  at  Brashear  City,  others  at  Al 
giers,  while  the  larger  part  were  taken  to  New  Orleans 
and  placed  in  a  roomy  but  not  very  inviting  building 
that  in  former  days  had  been  used  as  a  cotton  press. 

Still,  the  men  having  suitable  food  and  fairly  good 
nursing,  and  being  protected  from  rain  and  malarial 
poisons,  had  really  no  grounds  for  complaint  and  many 
of  them,  owing  to  their  life-long  temperate  habits  and 
their  naturally  vigorous  constitutions,  rallied,  as  they 
had  at  other  times,  surprisingly  quick  and  felt  them 
selves  ready  for  service  though  really  far  less  qualified 
for  it  than  they  imagined  themselves  to  be. 

Not  many  days  had  passed  after  their  arrival  at  New 
Orleans  when  there  came  a  most  pressing  call  for  our 
men  and  other  convalescents  to  go  up  the  river  to  ])on- 
aldsonville,  which  was  then  threatened  by  the  enemy, 
there  being  at  the  time  no  other  available  troops  that 
could  be  had  for  its  defence.  Eighty  men  of  the  Six 
teenth,  as  Comrade  J.  P.  Heath,  Company  B,  who  was 
among  the  number,  reports,  answered  the  call. 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

It  ought  to  be  said,  however,  that  Comrade  II.  L. 
Johnson  of  Company  H,  who  also  was  among  the  num 
ber,  thinks  there  were  fewer  of  our  men  than  the  esti 
mate  of  Comrade  Heath  indicates,  and  we  rather  incline 
to  the  opinion  of  Johnson.  The  exact  number  is  per 
haps  of  no  material  importance,  though  the  number  of 
the  volunteers  from  our  regiment  as  compared  with  that 
from  others  must  have  been  large. 

Unfortunately  the  roster  made  by  Sergeant  G.  P.  Cot 
ton  of  the  Sixteenth,  to  whom  on  leaving  New  Orleans 
for  Donaldsonville  was  given  the  command  of  all  the 
convalescents  from  the  various  regiments,  cannot  since 
his  death,  be  found,  though  every  effort  has  been  made 
to  secure  it.  Comrade  Johnson,  after  these  many  inter 
vening  years  is  able  to  recall  with  certainty  the  follow 
ing  names  : 

Sergeant,   George  P.   Cotton, 
Corpora],   Lewis  F.    Davis, 

PRIVATES. 

Leonidas  J.  A  very,  Hanson  Handy, 

Charles  G.  Davis,  Joseph  P.  Heath, 

James  W.  Cross,  Ezra  F.  Johnson, 

Nathaniel  D.  Farnsworth,      Henry  L.  Johnson, 
George  P.  Jones. 

It  is,  perhaps,  no  matter  of  surprise  but  certainly  is  a 
matter  of  regret,  that  only  these  names  of  the  men  of 
the  Sixteenth  can  be  enrolled  among  those  who  defended 
that  fortification.  The  only  full  record  as  we  have  said 
is  lost  and  most  of  the  men  are  long  since  dead. 


254  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

Donaldsonville  is  on  the  Mississippi  river,  at  the 
continence  of  the  La  Fourche  bayou,  and  is  about 
equidistant  from  Port  Hudson  and  New  Orleans.  Owing 
to  its  location  it  figured  first  and  last  during  the 
several  campaigns  in  Louisiana  as  a  place  of  considerable 
strategic  importance. 

Quite  early  in  the  war  it  was  determined  by  the  Fed 
eral  authorities  to  fortify  it,  and  accordingly  a  fort  was 
built  and  named  Fort  Butler  in  honor  of  General 
Benjamin  F.  Butler  whom  the  people  of  the  southwest 
hated  more  intensely  than  they  did  any  other  because 
he  was  disposed  to  handle  well-known  Confederates 
without  gloves. 

The  fortification  was  remarkably  well  built  and  com 
manded  the  approaches  on  all  sides.  Fort  Butler  bad 
been  garrisoned  late  in  June,  1863,  by  portions  only,  of 
two  companies  of  the  Twenty-Eighth  Maine  under  com 
mand  of  Major  J.  I).  Bull  en. 

Our  convalescent  recruits  of  the  Sixteenth  had  been  at 
Donaldsonville  scarcely  a  week  when  the  Confederate 
General,  Thomas  Green  of  Texas,  a  very  clever  leader 
and  fighter  who  had  been  raiding  that  part  of  Louisiana 
since  the  re-occupation  of  Teche  country  by  the  Con 
federates,  appeared  in  the  rear  of  Fort  Butler  with  his 
Texan  troops  who  were  rough  clad,  excepting  those  who 
were  dressed  in  the  uniforms  of  Union  soldiers,  probably 
taken  in  their  raids  on  Brashear  City,  but  though 
roughly  clad  these  Texans  were  brave  and  resolute 
fighters. 

On  the  afternoon  of  June  twenty -seventh,  under  a  flag 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  2i)5 

of  truce,  General  Green  demanded  an  unconditional  and 
immediate  surrender  of  the  fort. 

Major  Bnllen  thereupon  called  together  the  garrison 
and  while  they  were  standing  about  the  nag-staff  asked 
whether  the  flag  should  be  pulled  down  or  left  hanging. 
t;  It  was  one  of  the  boys  of  the  Sixteenth,"  says  Comrade1 
Heath  4'who  speaking  for  the  rest  said,  'Never  pull  it 
down  ;  Let  it  hang  !  '  The  Major  then  replied  '  It  shall 
hang  there  as  long  as  there  is  a  man  of  you  left  to  defend 
it.'" 

Fortunately  at  that  juncture  a  transport  steamer  from 
New  Orleans  having  onboard  a  few  officers  and  men  who 
were  returning  to  their  regiments  at  Port  Hudson,  called 
at  Donaldsonville.  They  were  informed  of  the  situation 
and  Major  Bullen  asked  if  there  were  any  commissioned 
officers  on  board  who  could  be  spared  to  assist  in  the 
defence  of  the  garrison  against  the  expected  attack  ( 
Two  lieutenants  volunteered  and  the  steamer  departed. 

A  few  moments  later  General  Green  was  informed  of 
the  decision  of  the  garrison.  He  sent  back  word  to 
remove  the  non-combatants  immediately,  and  added  "  no 
prisoners  will  be  taken/' 

Five  hundred  of  his  men  meanwhile  had  volunteered 
to  take  the  fort  by  storming  it.  They  made  the  attack 
a  little  past  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
eighth  of  June. 

The  first  assault  was  on  the  stockade  at  our  left,  and 
though  we  were  exposed  to  the  raking  lire  from  the 
enemy's  sharp-shooters  who  were  posted  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  bayou,  still  the  stockades  at  that  point  were 


256  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

gallantly  and  courageously  defended  by  our  men,  the 
larger  number  of  whom  were  from  the  Sixteenth. 

The  second  attack  thirty  minutes  later,  was  on  our 
right.  That  assault  was  determined  and  tierce,  but  the 
position  was  heroically  defended,  the  larger  number  of 
the  defenders  at  that  point  being  from  the  state  of  Maine. 

It  was  in  that  attack  that  one  of  the  lieu  tenants  who,  on 
the  way  up  the  river  the  day  before  had  volunteered  to 
stop  over,  was  killed  by  a  bullet  through  his  neck,  and 
the  other  one  a  little  later  was  mortally  wounded  by  a 
large  shot  that  passed  through  his  face  nearly  severing  his 
tongue  ;  he  was  removed  to  New  Orleans  that  afternoon. 

In  the  tight  Sergeant  Cotton  was  hit  by  a  bullet  just 
over  his  heart  but  his  roll  book  deadened  the  force. 
The  sergeant  carried  for  some  time  the  mark  of  the  shot 
where  the  bullet  struck  ;  the  bullet  together  with  his 
roll  book,  as  evidence  of  his  narrow  escape,  were  fre 
quently  shown  to  his  comrades  and  friends. 

While  the  second  attack  was  in  progress,  some  of  our 
Sixteenth  men  who  were  almost  too  sick  to  keep  their 
feet,  showed,  nevertheless,  their  lighting  qualities,  for 
without  orders  they  crawled  along  the  embankment  to 
the  position  held  by  the  men  from  Maine,  and  helped  to 
defend  that  point  from  the  enemy  who  were  doing  their 
utmost  to  carry  it.  The  tiring  continued  until  daylight 
when  it  slacked  for  the  most  part,  and  the  main  body  of 
the  enemy  apparently  withdrew. 

During  the  fighting  that  night,  as  afterwards  it  was 
ascertained,  some  of  the  Sixteenth  men  had  used  from 
seventy  to  eighty  rounds  of  ammunition. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  257 

The  ill-fated  Major  Bullen  before  Ills  death  made  the 
following  report  of  that  first  day's  fighting  : 

"At  half-past  one  A.  M.,  June  twenty-eighth,  our 
pickets  were  tired  on  by  those  of  the  enemy  and  during 
their  retreat  the  guns  of  the  fort  and  those  of  the  gun 
boat  Princess  Royal  under  command  of  Captain  AVool- 
sey,  opened  on  the  approaching  enemy.  But  their  forces 
moved  steadily  forward  and  in  a  short  time  Captain  E. 
B.  ]STiel,  to  whom  I  had  entrusted  the  defence  of  the  left 
en  trance  to  the  fort,  received  a  terrible  fire  from  the 
enemy,  who  came  up  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  Bayou 
La  Fourche  to  a  point  where  they  could  fire  on  his  flank 
which  was  wholly  unprotected  ;  but  the  gallant  captain 
and  his  command  endured  the  fire  without  wavering  and 
replied  with  vigor  which,  with  the  assistance  of  one  of 
the  guns  of  the  fort  drove  them  back  in  disorder. 
Almost  simultaneously  with  the  attack  on  our  left,  the 
enemy  made  a  vigorous  assault  in  front  of  both  entrances 
of  the  fort  with  a  large  force.  On  the  left  they  were 
bravely  repulsed  by  Captain  Neil.  Captain  Thompson, 
to  whom  I  had  given  the  defence  of  the  right  entrance, 
after  a  severe  engagement  under  great  disadvantages  and 
with  a  number  many  times  exceeding  his  own,  was  com 
pelled  to  withdraw  to  the  inner  works,  where  the  cap 
tain  and  his  command  with  the  greatest  desperation 
fought  the  enemy  who  in  large  numbers  had  succeeded 
in  getting  within  the  outer  works. 

c;  During  the  hot  fire  on  the  left  Lieutenant  Murch  of 
Captain  Thompson's  company,  was  in  command  of  one 
of  the  reserves  and  was  ordered  to  support  Captain 


2i58          HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  KEGKMEXT 

Thompson,  which  he  did  with  the  greatest  energy,  and 
after  an  hour's  struggle  was  killed.  Here  also  Lieuten 
ant  Perry  was  severely  wounded. 

"My  force  was  so  small  that  the  reserves  had  now  to 
support  Captain  Niel,  and  now  Captain  Thompson,  as 
the  case  demanded.  After  an  engagement  of  three  hours 
and  a  half  some  twenty-live  of  the  enemy  at  the  left 
surrendered  and  more  than  one  hundred  on  the  right. 
A  majority  of  those  who  succeeded  in  getting  within  our 
outer  works  made  their  escape,  leaving  a  little  more 
than  one  hundred. 

"  I  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  too  high  commendation  of 
my  gallant  officers  and  my  brave  men  who  fought  against 
so  great  a  superiority  of  numbers  with  unaccountable 
energy  and  endurance. 

"Of  the  enemy  we  have  buried  more  than  fifty  that  we 
gathered  up  just  without  and  within  our  outer  works. 
Twenty-live  of  their  wounded  we  found  where  we 
gathered  up  their  dead.  The  remainder  were  borne  away 
by  the  retreating  forces.  The  number  must  have  been 
large.  Two  deserters  came  in  yesterday  and  stated  that 
the  enemy  acknowledged  a  loss  of  five  hundred  killed 
and  wounded." 

Not  long  after  completing  this  report  the  major  who 
had  incurred  the  displeasure  of  some  of  the  men,  was 
treacherously  shot  by  one  of  our  own  soldiers,  Private 
Francis  Scott  of  Company  F,  First  Louisiana  Regiment, 
who  at  the  time  was  somewhat  under  the  influence  of 
liquor.  Scott  was  at  once  arrested  and  sent  to  New 
Orleans  where  he  was  tried  and  shot  for  his  crime. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

(leiieral  Green  finding  that  his  five  hundred  volunteers 
were  not  sufficient  to  capture  the  fort,  and  enraged  at  his 
losses  massed  his  entire  force  numbering  at  that  time 
nearly  fourteen  hundred  men  and  followed  cautiously 
down  the  banks  of  the  river  in  confidence  of  making  the 
capture. 

But  fortunately  for  us  the  very  night  on  which  that 
attack  was  planned,  one  of  the  Federal  gunboats,  watch 
ing  for  a  movement  of  that  kind,  discovered  the  where 
abouts  of  the  Confederates  and  under  cover  of  the  fog 
got  in  position  and  gave  them  a  broadside  that  caused  a 
general  stampede. 

Those  of  the  enemy  who  were  still  in  position  to  fight 
us,  together  with  others  who  from  time  to  time  had 
joined  them  finding  that  the  main  body  of  their  com 
rades  had  retired  during  the  night,  waved  a  wrhite  flag  at 
daylight.  They  were  asked  "What  is  wanted  ?"  and 
replied  "We  wish  to  surrender."  They  w^ere  required 
to  lay  down  their  arms  where  they  were.  They  then 
filed  into  the  fort  and  gave  their  names-  Though  they  did 
not  know  the  fact,  and  it  is  well  for  us  that  they  did  not 
yet  they  numbered  more  effective  men  than  those  to 
whom  they  had  surrendered  themselves  prisoners. 

After  looking  about  for  a  few  moments  and  seeing 
scarcely  any  troops,  they  asked  "Where  are  your  men  ?" 
"Oh,  they  are  at  breakfast;  some  of  them  have  gone 
for  water  and  others  are  secreted  where  they  can  fix 
Green  if  he  makes  another  attack.'1  Those  were  false 
hoods  but  were 'told  on  the  fallacious  ground  that  in 
war  all  things  are  fair. 


200  HISTOUY    OE    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  if  the  weakness  of  the 
garrison  really  liad  been  known,  those  men  would  not 
have  surrendered.  They  had  been  completely  fooled 
during  the  day  and  night  by  fictitious  commands  like 
these : — "Colonel  Smith  move  your  regiment  to  the 
left  and  hold  your  tire  till  the  enemy  are  in  easy  range/' 
"Colonel  Littlejohn,  keep  a  sharp  outlook  and  be  ready 
with  your  command  to  make  an  assault."  Many  such 
orders  were  given  to  regimental  and  company  com 
manders  who  had  no  existence  except  in  the  imagina 
tion  of  the  Yankees  who  held  the  fort  and  gave  the 
commands. 

Fortunately  soon  after  the  Confederates  had  surrend 
ered,  a  small  gunboat,  No.  2,  which  formerly  was  the 
blockade  runner,  "  Princess  Royal,"  came  down  the 
river  and  relieved  us  of  our  prisoners.  Then  our  boys 
breathed  easier  for  up  to  that  time  they  had  been  in 
mortal  dread  that  those  Texan s  discovering  the  weak 
ness  of  the  garrison  would  spring  upon,  and  disarm  the 
guards  and  have  the  fort  and  its  defenders  in  their  own 
hands. 

General  Green's  plans  meantime  were  unknown.  The 
fear  was  that  he  would  return  at  any  hour  with  perhaps 
an  additional  force,  and  if  so  our  men,  though  slightly 
reinforced,  June  twenty-ninth,  by  a  few  men  from  the 
Twenty -Eighth  Maine  and  the  Louisiana  First  who  com 
pensated  for  the  loss  to  our  forces  during  the  fighting  of 
the  previous  day  and  night,  could  not  seemingly  have 
held  out  if  there  had  been  another  assault.  And  what 
made  matters  still  worse  for  us  was  that  the  enemv  had 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

planted  batteries  on  the  river  both  above  and  below  Don- 
aldsonville  which  quite  effectually  cut  off  all  transport 
navigation  unless  attended  by  gunboats. 

In  that  critical  condition  of  affairs  our  men  from  June 
twenty-eighth  to  July  ninth  were  kept  on  duty  almost 
constantly,  day  and  night.  They  slept  behind  the  en 
trenchments  with  muskets  in  their  hands  and  even 
cooked  and  ate  their  rations  with  their  equipments  on. 

And  yet  strange  and  odd  as  it  may  seem,  those  more 
than  half-exhausted  and  almost  imprisoned  troops  on  the 
morning  of  July  fourth  resolved  to  fire  the  national  sa 
lute.  Accordingly  they  arranged  a  protection  for  the 
gunnel's  and  began  the  tiring. 

AVith  almost  every  discharge  the  Confederates,  who 
were  lying  right  under  the  guns  on  the  other  side  of  the 
embankment,  would  utter  their  oaths  at  the  patriotism 
of  the  "damned  Yankees"  who  were  suffocating  them  with 
smoke  and  deafening  them  with  the  din  of  the  cannon. 
The  entire  salute,  however,  was  tired,  which  doubtless 
gave  the  impression  to  the  enemy  that  we  had  an  ample 
supply  of  ammunition  left  and  plenty  of  strength  to  use  it. 

It  may  well  be  questioned  if  the  Confederate  troops 
ever  met  such  a  determined  resistance,  coupled  with  so 
much  out  and  out  bluff  as  that  which  confronted  them 
at  Donaldsonville. 

It  was  some  time  during  that  fourth  of  July  that  the 
officer  who  succeeded  Major  Bullen  as  commandant  of 
the  fort,  expressed  in  the  presence  of  some  of  our  Six 
teenth  boys  a  desire  for  certain  information  that  in  vain 
he  had  sought  to  obtain. 


262  HISTORY    OF    TTtE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT. 

One  of  flie  youngest  of  the  number  offered  to  make  the 
attempt  to  secure  it.  The  commander  in  reply  chaffed 
the  volunteer  a  bit  owing,  perhaps,  to  his  extreme  youth 
ful  appearance.  "  What  can  you  do  '( "  was  the  question 
of  the  commander.  "Anything  you  say,"  was  the  quick 
reply.  "  I  wish  then,''  said  the  officer,  "  you  would  find 
where  General  Green  is  and  what  he  is  going  to  do,"  "I 
will,"  replied  the  boy. 

The  commander  scarcely  expected  that  such  a  fool 
hardy  attempt  would  be  made  and  dismissed  the  matter 
from  his  mind.  The  next  morning  very  early  the  youth 
ful  soldier  visited  the  officer's  tent  with  the  information 
that  Green  was  in  a  certain  farm  house,  giving  the  loca 
tion,  and  that  he  was  intending  to  attack  the  fort  at  one 
o'clock  that  day.  The  officer  laughed.  The  young 
soldier  remarked,  "Would  it  not  be  well  for  you  to  get 
ready  > ' ' 

The  officer  studied  for  a  moment  the  face  of  the  boy, 
and  became  thoughtful.  Shortly  after  the  foregoing 
conversation  matters  were  put  in  readiness  for  an  attack 
and  at  one  o'clock  every  available  man  was  in  position. 
Hardly  had  that  been  done  when  Green,  who  doubtless 
had  reasoned  that  at  that  hour  the  garrison  would  be 
easily  surprised,  suddenly  appeared  and  began  the 
attack.  To  his  astonishment  and  dismay  he  found  that 
our  men  were  fully  prepared  as  if  expecting  the  attack 
and  so  successfully  met  it  that  he  fell  back  to  consider 
what  next  to  do. 

The  facts  were  these  ;  that  Sixteenth  boy,  of  whom  we 
have  spoken,  soon  after  his  conversation  with  the  com- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  '263 

manding  officer,  and  after  dark,  passed  through  our 
picket  lines  and  by  a  "piece  of  good  luck"  as  he  says, 
though  evidently  by  sheer  daring,  discovered  the  farm 
house  where  were  stopping  General  Green  and  his  staff. 

lie  hung  about  and  by  creeping  under  fences,  climb 
ing  trees  and  by  other  devices  and  adventures  that  seem 
almost  to  incredulous  for  any  one  to  believe,  obtained 
the  desired  information  and  actually  overheard  the 
words  of  General  Green  while  he  was  planning  the 
attack  for  the  next  day,  and  among  other  things  heard 
him  say,  "  I  will  enter  that  fort  if  T  have  to  cut  my  way 
with  an  axe/1  Green  probably  when  using  those  words 
had  in  mind  the  cutting  of  the  upright  timbers  that 
formed  the  stockade  that  greatly  had  bothered  his  men  in 
the  previous  assault.  After  getting  this  information 
our  young  volunteer  returned  passing  through  the 
enemy's  and  our  own  picket,  lines  reaching  the  fort 
some  time  before  daylight. 

We  would  be  glad  to  give  the  name  of  that  youthful 
hero,  now  of  course  well  on  in  years,  but  he  has  emphat 
ically  requested  the  historian  to  withhold  for  the  present 
its  publication. 

The  close  of  the  siege  of  Donaldsonville  is  described 
in  the  following  words  by  Comrade  J.  P.  Heath:  "One 
morning  when  looking  up  the  river  we  saw  a  large 
quantity  of  smoke  which  we  watched  Avith  much, 
interest.  Soon  three  or  four  large  river  steamers  came 
in  sight  and  swung  in  towards  us.  We  could  see 
soldiers  on  board  dressed  in  1)1  ue. 

"  One  of  the  steamers   came  near   and  made   fast  just 


264  HISTORY    OF    THE    SlXTtiKXTIf    REGIMENT 

above  the  fort  and  commenced  rapidly  to  unload  her 
troops.  They  deployed  and  moved  into  the  woods  at 
the  north.  They  were  just  in  time  for  Green  was 
approaching,  his  pickets  already  being-  in  sight. 

"We  hailed  the  regiment  nearest  us  and  asked,  'Where 
are  you  from  r  '  Port  Hudson,  it  has  surrendered'  they 
replied. 

"We  asked  'What  regiment  are  you  of  T  They 
replied  '  The  Eight  New  Hampshire.'  They  asked 
k  What  regiment  are  you  of?'  Several  of  us  replied  k  We 
are  of  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire.1  They  then  said, 
'  Dont  fire  again  boys  ;  we  will  take  care  of  you  now/ 

"  We  laughed  and  we  cried,  for  deliverance  had  come. 
The  boys  belonging  to  the  gunboats  soon  landed  and 
came  into  the  fort.  They  commenced  to  hug  us  and 
danced  about  like  children  saying,  '  WelL  boys  you  did 
make  a  grand  fight.'  ' 

The  importance  of  holding  Donaldsonville  against  the 
enemy  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  as  soon  as  Port 
Hudson  surrendered,  Banks  sent  the  troops  under  both 
Generals  Gardner  and  Weitzel  for  its  relief.  General 
Banks  in  making  his  report  to  General  Halleck  says  : 
"  Upon  the  surrender  of  Port  Hudson  I  found  it  neces 
sary  to  move  every  available  man  to  Donaldsonville  to 
dislodge  the  enemy." 

General  Emory  in  his  report  to  General  Banks  says  : 
"  Our  victory  at  Donaldsonville  was  a  brilliant  affair/' 
Tn  his  report  to  Colonel  Irwin,  Emory  uses  the  words 
"An  heroic;  and  brilliant  defence,"  "There  were"  he 
says,  "  two  reduced  companies  of  the  Twenty-Eighth 


XEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  265 

Maine  and  convalescents  sent  np  from  ]STew  Orleans  to 
meet  the  enemy."  Those  one  hundred  and  eighty  men 
with  the  gunboats  repelled  the  assault  of  the  enemy, 
taking  one  hundred  and  thirty  prisoners,  one  lieutenant- 
colonel,  one  major,  two  captains,  live  lieutenants  ;  kill 
ing  and  wounding  three  hundred  and  fifty  men  among 
whom  were  Colonel  Phillips  and  others  of  high  rank. 

"By  this  repulse  combined  with  that  at  La  Fourche, 
the  enemy  lias  been  checked  in  his  movement  upon  New 
Orleans  and  the  attempt  to  cut  connection  between  Banks 
and  his  supplies  has  been  frustrated.'' 

Says  General  Banks  in  a  letter  to  General  Emory  : 

"The  behavior  of  Major  Bullen  and  the  troops  under 
his  command  at  Donaldsonville  was  most  creditable,  and 
has  greatly  encouraged  the  spirit  of  the  army.  Tt  is  a 
compensation  for  the  disgrace  that  rests  upon  Brashear/' 
[He  refers  to  the  capture  of  that  place  with  all  its  stores 
by  the  Confederates  under  General  Taylor.] 

The  official  report  as  given  by  General  Stone  to  Gen 
eral  Banks  is  also  highly  complimentary.  His  words 
are  "The  troops  at  Donaldsonville  made  one  of  the  most 
brave  and  gallant  defences  that  has  come  within  my  ex 
perience."  General  Stone  also  recommended  for  promo 
tion  every  officer  engaged  in  that  defence. 

The  lighting  is  so  well  attested  in  the  Confederate 
records  and  has  been  so  lightly  touched  upon  by  our 
Federal  historians,  that  we  feel  justified  in  introducing 
nearly  the  full  text  of  the  following  report  of  Brigadier- 
General  Thomas  Green  to  Major  Louis  Bush,  assistant 
adjutant-general : 


260  IITSTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


"HEADQUARTERS  FIRST  CAVALRY  BRIGADE, 


"MAJOR: — In  accordance  with  the  order  of  General  Mouton 
commanding  me  to  take  possession  of  the  Federal  fort  at  Donald- 
sonville,  I  took  up  the  line  of  march  from  Thibodeanx  about 
eight  o'clock  at  night  with  Hardeman's,  Shannon's  and  Herbert's, 
regiments  of  my  brigade,  and  Thane's,  Stone's  and  Phillips',  regi 
ments  of  Colonel  Major's  brigade  and  Semmes'  battery. 

"  After  marching  the  entire  night  I  encamped  within  nine  miles 
of  the  fort  about  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning. 

"During  the  twenty-seventh  I  rested  our  jaded  troops  and 
horses,  getting  all  the  information  which  could  be  procured  relat 
ing  to  the  situation  of  the  fort,  its  force,  defences,  etc.,  etc. 

"  I  sent  Stone's  regiment  to  the  east  of  the  bayou  [L,a  Fourche] 
and  ordered  him  to  advance  towards  Donaldson ville  on  the  bank 
and  attract  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  and,  if  possible,  attack 
him  on  that  side.  With  the  balance  of  the  command  I  advanced 
during  the  night  of  the  twenty-seventh  to  within  a  mile  and  a  half 
of  the  fort,  where  I  dismounted  my  command. 

"  Having  determined  on  the  plan  of  attack,  I  called  the  officers 
commanding  the  regiments  together,  and  explained  to  them  specifi 
cally  the  position  each  one  was  to  occupy  in  the  assault. 

"Major  Shannon,  with  the  Fifth  Texas  Mounted  Volunteers, 
was  to  perform  a  circuit  around  the  fort,  reach  the  Mississippi 
above  and  advance  down  to  the  stockade  of  upright  timbers  set  in 
the  ground  between  the  levee  and  the  water's  edge  and  then  make 
an  entrance. 

"Colonel  Hardeman,  with  the  Fourth  Texas  Mounted  Volun 
teers,  was  to  move  up  the  Bayou  road  and  as  soon  as  he  heard  the 
firing  of  Shannon,  or  of  the  enemy,  he  was  to  assault  the  fort  at 
the  water's  edge,  along  the  stockade  and  simultaneously  with 
Shannon  to  make  an  entrance  through  the  stockade  and  with 
Shannon  assault  the  garrison,  hand  to  hand. 

"Phillips,  Lane  and  Herbert,  with  their  regiments,  were  to 
envelop  the  works,  moving  up  around  them  to  the  brink  of  the 
ditch,  shooting  down  the  cannoneers  and  their  supporters  from  the 
ramparts  at  a  distance  of  only  sixteen  or  eighteen  feet. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  267 

"Major  Shannon  encountered  the  pickets  of  the  enemy  and  a 
fire  was  opened  upon  him  by  the  artillery  of  the  fort. 

"He  advanced  to  the  stockade  driving  the  enemy  from  it  and 
firing  upon  them  through  their  own  port-holes.  He  pushed  a  part 
of  his  men  over  their  works,  the  men  helping  each  other  over  ;  the 
balance  of  his  men  moved  around  the  stockade  through  the  shal 
low  water,  into  the  fort. 

"Hearing  the  small  arms  of  Major  Shannon  amid  the  roar  of 
artillery,  I  ordered  an  advance  of  the  whole  line.  The  fight  was 
desperately  contended  on  every  part  of  the  ground. 

"Colonel  Hardeman,  with  the  Fourth  Texas,  being  unable  to 
control  his  guide,  was  delayed  in  his  attack  on  the  Iva  Fourche 
side  until  nearly  daylight,  but  his  casualities  show  with  what 
determined  courage  that  veteran  regiment  stood  its  ground  after  it 
came  into  action. 

"  The  attack  on  the  fort  was  made  before  light,  at  two  o' cluck 
in  the  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  gunboats  from 
being  in  advance.  We  were  not  repulsed  until  we  found  after  get- 
ing  into  the  stockade  that  there  was  yet  a  ditch  to  cross,  running 
in  front  of  and  parallel  with  the  river.  At  this  ditch  a  most  des 
perate  fight  ensued  between  the  commands  of  Shannon  and 
Phillips  and  the  enemy. 

"Our  men  here  used  brick-bats  upon  the  heads  of  the  enemy, 
who  returned  the  same.  Captain  Killough  and  Lieutenant  I^and 
and  other  officers  and  men  were  wounded  on  their  heads  with 
bricks  thrown  by  the  enemy,  which  had  first  been  thrown  by  our 
men.  There  never  was  more  desperate  courage  displayed  than 
was  shown  by  our  men  engaged  in  this  assault.  The  enemy  have 
been  shown  an  example  of  desperate  courage  which  will  not  be 
without  its  effect.  [We  wonder  if  the  same  cannot  be  said  of  the 
brave  defenders  inside  the  fort  ?] 

"  We  fought  from  two  o'clock  a.  m.,  until  daylight  without  in 
termission,  and  our  dead  and  wounded  show  the  desperation  of 
the  assault.  The  garrison  contained  between  five  and  six  hundred 
Federals.  [Oh,  no  ;  only  one  hundred  and  eighty.] 

"At  daylight  I  sent  a  flag  of  truce,  asking  permission  to  pick 
up  our  wounded  and  bury  our  dead,  which  was  refused,  as  I 
expected,  my  object  in  sending  a  flag  so  early  was  to  get  away  a 


268  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEEXTir    KEOIMEXT 

great  number  of  our  men  who  had  found  a  little  shelter  near  the 
enemy's  works  and  who  would  undoubtedly  be  taken  prisoners. 
As  it  was  I  must  have  saved  a  hundred  men  by  instructing  my 
flag  of  truce  officer  as  he  approached  the  fort  to  order  our  troops 
still  there,  away. 

"We  mourn  the  fall  of  many  of  our  bravest  and  best  officers 
and  men,  among  them  Major  Shannon,  Captain  Ragsdale,  Lieu 
tenants  Darby  and  Cole  of  the  Fifth,  Major  Ridley  of  Phillips' 
regiment  and  Lieutenant  Cartwright  of  the  Fourth,  and  others. 

11  Had  the  fort  fallen  into  our  hands,  I  am  satisfied,  with  a  little 
work  on  it,  we  could  have  held  it  against  all  the  gunboats  below 
Port  Hudson. 

"  Its  capture  and  occupation  would  doubtless  have  caused  great 
uneasiness  and  inconvenience  to  the  Federal  army  besieging  Port 
Hudson.  In  this  view  much  risk  was  justified  in  its  attempted 
capture." 

This  report  of  Green  was  sent  to  Major-General  Taylor, 
who  forwarded  it  to  Richmond  with  these  comments  :— 

"Personal  observation  satisfies  me  that  no  engage- 
ment  during  this  war  has  illustrated  more  signally  the 
desperate  valor  of  Confederate  troops  than  the  attack  on 
this  position. 

"Although  the  attack  may  have  been  in  some  respects 
an  unwise  one,  I  am  not  disposed  to  attach  the  slightest 
censure  to  so  gallant  a  soldier  as  General  Green,  whose 
disposition  is  to  attack  the  enemy  wherever  lie  finds 
him." 

These  reports,  taken  from  the  official  records  of  the 
Confederacy,  while  recording  the  courage  of  their  troops 
equally,  though  indirectly,  extol  the  courage  of  the 
brave  and  resolute  defenders  of  Donaldsonville.  For 
the  desperate  fighting  of  which  the  Confederates  boast 
must  have  been  met  by  equally  desperate  fighting  by  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  271 

few  Federal  troops  who  confronted  them.  The  story  of 
that  defence,  unless  full}7  confirmed  by  official  reports 
from  both  Federal  and  Confederate  sources,  could  hardly 
be  believed. 

Here  were  one  hundred  and  eighty  men,  the  majority 
of  whom  had  before  this  scarcely  been  under  fire,  the 
majority  of  whom  were  just  out  of  the  hospitals  of  New 
Orleans,  confronted  by  six  regiments  and  one  battery 
commanded  by  as  brave  officers  as  ever  led  Confederate 
troops.  Our  men  were  so  scantily  officered  that  one  of 
the  Sixteenth  privates  on  the  morning  after  the  first 
night's  fighting  was  appointed  acting  sergeant  and  put 
in  command  of  the  squad  that  defended  the  stockade 
running  from  the  fort  to  the  river. 

The  fighting  a  part  of  the  time  was  hand  to  hand  ;  the 
men  used  brickbats  when  lying  on  opposite  sides  of  the 
embankment  that  separated  them  from  the  enemy.  The 
enemy  tried  foul  means  as  well  as  fair.  Near  morning 
of  the  first  night's  fight  a  squad  of  the  enemy  said,  wt  We 
wish  to  surrender.1'  Several  of  our  men  mounted  the 
parapet  to  receive  them  and  were  instantly  fired  upon. 

They  did  not  forget  this  piece  of  cowardice  and  treach 
ery,  for  when  a  flag  of  truce  a  little  later  appeared,  the 
bearer  of  it  was  shot,  as  were  two  others  who  appeared 
on  a  similar  mission.  This  was  not  right  according  to 
the  rules  of  war,  but  our  men  had  been  fooled  ;  they  re 
solved  not  to  be  fooled  again,  rules  of  war  or  no  rules 
of  war. 

There  was  still  sounding  in  their  ears,  too,  the  words  of 
General  Green,  "JSTo  prisoners  will  be  taken.-'  It  was  a 


272  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

fight  for  life,  and  those  of  the  Sixteenth  who  were  en 
gaged  in  that  defence  certainly  showed  just  as  good  fight 
ing  material  as  was  ever  shown  by  the  "  Gallant  Second  " 
of  New  Hampshire,  or  by  the  "Fighting  Fifth"  of  New 
Hampshire,  or  by  the  "  Unsurpassed  Eighth"  of  New 
Hampshire,  or  by  any  other  regiment  that  ever  fought  in 
an  open  field  or  in  defence  of  a  beleagured  garrison, 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
DARK   HOURS  PRECEDING  THE  FALL  OF  PORT  HUDSON. 

IN  order  to  complete  the  story  of  the  fall  of  Donald- 
sonville  it  was  necessary  to  anticipate  the  fact  that 
Port  Hudson  capitulated  just  before  the  siege  of 
Donaldsonville  was  raised. 

\Ve  must  now  return  for  a  few  moments  and  in  doing 
so  will  take  a  broad  outlook  of  military  affairs  as  they 
appeared  the  last  of  June  and  first  of  July,  1808. 

At  no  other  time,  perhaps,  after  the  beginning  of  the 
war  had  there  been  so  great  uneasiness  throughout  the 
country,  Multitudes  of  our  people  Avere  discouraged. 
Mourning  for  the  dead  was  in  the  city  mansion  and 
mountain  hamlet.  Great  peace  meetings  under  the 
auspices  of  Fernando  Wood  and  others  were  held  in 
Cooper  Institute,  New  York.  In  a  few  months  the  time 
for  which  thousands  of  our  troops  had  eidisted  would 
expire  and  apparently  there  were  none  to  take  their 
place. 

In  Indiana  mobs  were  resisting  the  drafts,  and  Mr. 
Lincoln  confessed  that  it  was  doubtful  it'  they  could  be 
enforced  in  New  York  or  Boston.  The  restoration  of 
McClellan  was  vehemently  urged.  Foreign  powers  were 


274  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

on  the  point  of  interfering  and  that  meant  the  recognition 
and  likely  enough  the  success  of  the  Confederacy.  Pope 
Pius  IX  sent  his  congratulations  to  Jefferson  Davis, 
December  third,  186H  ;  a  photograph  copy  of  that 
original  communication  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  his 
torian  of  the  Sixteenth. 

Desertions  that  had  been  increasing  to  an  alarming 
extent  were  multiplied,  though  in  the  interest  of  truth 
and  in  justice  to  all  it  should  be  said  that  ninety-five 
per  cent,  of  the  desertions  were  from  among  foreigu- 
born  volunteers. 

The  month  of  May  had  brought  the  defeat  at  Chancel- 
lorsville.  Then  followed  the  retreat  of  a  dispirited  army 
across  the  Rappahannock.  The  ninteenth  of  June 
found  the  enemy  with  a  powerful  army  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  entire  army  of  the  Potomac  and  the 
Capital  at  Washington  were  imperilled. 

In  the  west  and  southwest  the  outlook  was  scarcely  less 
gloomy  and  disheartening.  The  naval  attack  on  Charles 
ton  was  a  failure.  Fort  McAlister,  held  by  the  Confed 
erates,  had  resisted  all  attempts  to  capture  it.  Burnside 
had  been  outgeneraled  and  checked  in  his  Tennessee 
campaign.  Rosecrans  was  making  no  progress  against 
the  Confederates  under  General  "Bragg.  The  enemy, 
crossing  the  Ohio  river,  triumphantly  invaded  the  State 
of  Indiana,  and  there  were  no  available  troops  to  inter 
cept  them.  Grant  had  surrounded  Yicksburg,  beginning 
the  siege  in  May,  but  on  the  iirst  of  July,  thirty-one 
thousand  resolute  men  opposed  him,  avowing  their  pur 
pose  to  starve  on  mule  meat  sooner  than  surrender. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  275 

Galveston,  Texas,  had  been  recaptured  by  Magruder, 
which  gave  the  Confederates  valuable  stores  and  an 
open  seaport.  The  condition  of  the  Department  of  the 
Gulf  during  the  month  of  June  and  the  first  of  July  at 
other  points  was  equally  unpromising.  Twice  had  our 
troops  been  repulsed  before  Port  Hudson  with  an  aggre 
gate  loss  of  nearly  four  thousand  men.  Our  ranks,  too, 
were  rapidly  depleting  by  sickness  and  death. 

In  our  own  regiment,  as  we  have  seen,  not  a  day  passed 
without  its  death  records.  General  Gardner  in  Port 
Hudson  seemed  in  no  haste  to  surrender  though  twice 
invited  to  do  so.  It  is  true  that  his  communications  with 
the  outside  world  were  cut  off  and  his  supplies  were 
much  reduced,  but  he  was  so  strong  in  numbers  that  we 
did  not  know  how  soon  he  might  assume  the  aggressive, 

O  OO 

and  he  was  so  very  strongly  entrenched,  his  fortifications 
were  so  faultlessly  constructed  and  the  ground  inside 
was  so  admirably  adapted  for  the  movement  and  massing 
of  troops,  that  he  had  nothing  or  but  little  to  fear  from 
assaults  outside.  It  is  pretty  evident  that  on  the  first  of 
July  Gardner  had  about  as  many  effective  men  within 
the  fortifications  as  Banks  could  command  outside. 

Extending  the  view  we  find  that  after  Green's  first  re 
pulse  at  Donaldsonville  he  erected  masked  batteries  at 
different  points  on  the  river,  menaced  our  navigation  and 
threatened  to  cut  our  base  of  supplies. 

General  "Dick"  Taylor,  General  Mouton  and  Colonel 
Major  moved  against  Brashear  City,  which  was  but  feebly 
garrisoned,  and  with  scarcely  any  resistance  captured  it- 
June  twenty-second,  together  with  all  the  personal  and 


276  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

general  baggage  of  our  troops  that  had  been  stored  there. 

In  General  Taylor's  report  to  General  Boggs  he  says, 
"The  quantity  of  quartermaster,  commissary  and  ordi 
nance  stores  captured  exceeds  belief/ '  In  another  report 
he  says,  "  We  have  captured  supplies  enough  to  last 
during  the  rest  of  the  war."  He  also  adds: — "In 
money  value  my  capture  at  Brashear  City  is  worth  to  the 
Confederacy  two  millions  of  dollars." 

By  what  oversight  this  vast  amount  of  property  had 
been  left  thus  exposed  has  never  yet  been  reported.  For 
tunately  the  Sixteenth  on  its  return  from  Btitte  a  la  Kose 
took  along  its  baggage,  some  of  which  was  at  Brashear 
City,  though  most  of  it  had  been  stored  at  Algiers. 

After  the  capture  of  Brashear  City  a  detachment  of 
Taylor's  troops  moved  along  the  Western  Railroad  to 
ward  New  Orleans  and  reached  a  point  within  twenty- 
five  miles  of  that  city.  July  fourth  General  Emory 
wrote  to  General  Banks,  as  we  have  stated,  that  he  must 
send  him  troops  or  the  enemy.  Green  from  the  north  and 
Taylor,  Mouton  and  Major  from  the  west,  would  capture 
the  city  in  spite  of  any  defence  lie  could  make.  Such 
was  the  condition  of  affairs  in  the  southwest. 

Thus  after  fighting  with  varied  success  for  thirty 
months,  our  national  affairs  seemed  darker  and  more 
discouraging  than  ever  before. 

\Vlio  that  then  lived  having  one  spark  of  patriotism 
in  his  bosom  did  not  tremble  for  the  American  Republic  ( 
Defeat  at  one  or  two  points  apparently  would  have 
changed  at  that  juncture  the  entire  results  that  followed. 

But   we  must  add  that    somehow  our  boys   were   not 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  277 

altogether  disheartened.  Perhaps  it  was  because  they 
did  not  know  the  worst. 

The  calculation  as  to  the  time  of  our  enlistment  that 
had  been  made  was  that  our  regiment  ought  to  have  left 
Louisiana  for  home  June  fifteenth.  But  all  talk  as  to 
the  expiration  of  our  term  of  service  during  those  dark 
hours  was  at  an  end. 

We  were  there  on  the  field  and  though  dyirg  daily 
were  to  remain  willingly,  if  not  cheerfully,  until 
Port  Hudson  was  taken,  or  until  we  were  defeated.  We 
had  not  the  remotest  thought  of  leaving  our  comrades  of 
other  regiments  while  the  principle  object  for  which 
we  had  gone  to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  was  not  ac 
complished. 


About  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north  of  us  at  the 
head  of  the  forces  besieging  Vicksburg  was  one  of  the 
least  demonstrative  but  most  remarkable  military  geni 
uses  this  world  has  known.  Fighting  to  him  was  no 
pastime,  but  the  discharge  of  a  most  solemn  duty.  He 
fought  that  there  might  be  peace-  To  him  even  the  in 
signia  of  war  were  distasteful.  While  visiting  foreign 
lands,  though  repeatedly  urged,  he  uniformly  refused 
to  witness  military  pageants.  He  was  courageous,  per 
sistent,  shrewd,  skilled,  and  supremely  patriotic.  "He 
had  the  patience  of  fate  and  the  force  of  Thor."  A 
single  saying  that  fell  from  his  lips  is  a  key  to  his  mili 
tary  life: 

"If  a  battle  is  inevitable  be  the  first  to  strike  and  never 
scare."  "  When  in  doubt  move  to  the  front,'1  was  an- 


278  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

other  of  his  maxims.  In  a  letter  to  his  father  lie  wrote, 
"I  never  expect  to  have  an  army  whipped,  unless  it  is 
badly  whipped  and  I  can't  help  it.'' 

His  mind  was  as  comprehensive  as  that  of  Napoleon, 
but  lie  was  unlike  Napoleon  in  that  he  had  no  selfish 
purposes  to  subserve. 

We  have  time  to  watch  the  ascendency  of  his  star  only 
for  a  moment,  and  may  do  this  because  he  it  was  who  not 
only  conquered  Vicksburg  but  relieved  the  Nineteenth 
Army  Corps  from  its  perilous  situation  and  rendered  the 
fall  of  Port  Hudson  not  only  possible  but  certain. 

General  Grant  left  New  Carthage  in  April.  In  twenty 
days  he  marched  two  hundred  miles,  fought  live  battles, 
took  ninety  cannon  and  six  thousand  prisoners,  destroyed 
Pemberton\s  communication  and  then  drove  him  to  (he 
wall.  Grant's  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  was 
only  four  thousand.  No  better  campaign  ever  was 
planned  or  executed  ;  the  people  for  the  first  time  in  six 
months  were  exultant.  A  military  genius  had  come  to 
the  rescue  of  the  Republic. 

Grant  reached  Vicksburg  in  May.  To  capture  it  was 
his  purpose.  There  were  delays,  obstacles  and  interfer 
ences  which  to  many  men  would  have  been  insurmount 
able.  "When  do  you  expect  to  take  the  city?"  taunt 
ingly  asked  a  female  secessionist.  "  I  can' t  tell  exactly," 
said  Grant,  "but  I  shall  stay  till  I  do,  if  it  takes  thirty 
years."  His  invincible  purpose  was  irresistible,  and 
July  fourth,  two  months  after  the  siege  began,  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  waved  over  this  "  Gibraltar  of  the  Confed 
eracy." 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  279 

In  its  capitulation  there  were  surrendered  to  Grant  fif 
teen  generals,  thirty-one  thousand  six  hundred  soldiers, 
and  one  hundred  and  seventy-two  cannon — "  the  greatest 
capture  of  men  and  armament  ever  made  at  one  time  since 
the  invention  of  gunpowder,  if  not  since  the  creation  of 
man.'1 

At  the  headquarters  of  General  Banks  on  the  morning 
of  July  seventh  despatches  from  General  Grant  an 
nounced  the  surrender  of  Yicksburg.  Soon  the  glad  news 
was  communicated  to  every  regiment  and  detachment  in 
our  army.  A  continuous,  ';  surging  volume  of  cheers  and 
exultations  filled  the  air  all  along  the  lines  around  Port 
Hudson,  from  the  one  wing  to  the  other,  from  the  river 
below  to  the  river  above.  And  the  pagans  of  loyal  joy 
and  gladness  rolled  even  over  the  Confedrate  entrench 
ments  and  warned  those  brave  defenders  that  their  watch 
ful  and  tireless  foes  certainly  had  received  glorious 
news."  A  Massachusetts  colonel  thrust  a  stick  through 
his  official  bulletin  and  by  way  of  explanation  sent  it 
over  the  lines  to  the  wondering  Confederates. 

Upon  receipt  of  General  Grant's  despatch,  General 
Banks  issued  a  general  order  directing  a  salute  of  one 
hundred  shotted  guns  to  be  fired  from  each  battery,  or 
dering  also  all  regimental  bands  to  assemble  at  his  head 
quarters.  At  noon  the  stirring  strains  of  onr  national 
melodies,  from  about  two  hundred  musicians,  accompa 
nied  with  the  sub-bass  of  the  thundering  of  hundreds  of 
cannon,  filled  the  air. 

Notwithstanding  the  solid  shot  and  shell  that  were 
falling  among  them,  the  Confederates  hailed  our  men 


280  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

asking  the  cause  of  "  the  jubilation."  They  were  told 
that  Grant  had  captured  Vicksburg.  "That's  another 
damn  Yankee  lie,"  was  the  answer. 

The  reports,  however,  were  carried  to  General  Gardner, 
who  the  next  day,  July  eighth,  sent  a  Hag  of  truce  to 
ascertain  if  the  reports  he  had  heard  were  true.  General 
Banks  then  forwarded  to  Gardner  a  copy  of  the  despatch 
he  had  received  from  General  Grant. 

On  receipt  of  this  Gardner  sent  another  flag  of  truce 
asking  upon  what  terms  General  Banks  would  receive  his 
surrender.  During  the  continuance  of  the  truce  the  men 
on  either  side  came  out  of  their  rifle-pits  or  "gopher- 
holes,"  as  they  were  called,  laughed  and  joked  as  ami 
cably  as  if  they  had  been  "engaged  in  some  friendly 
pastime,  instead  of  in  the  fearful  game  of  deadly  war 
fare."  The  terms  of  surrender  were  agreed  upon  and  all 
hostilities  ceased. 

The  correspondence  between  Generals  Banks  and 
Gardner  may  be  of  interest  to  the  reader : 

HEADQUARTERS  PORT  HUDSON,  LA., 

fuly  7,  1863. 

GENERAL  : — Having  received  information  from  your  troops  that 
Vicksburg  has  been  surrendered,  I  make  this  communication  to  ask 
you  to  give  me  your  official  notice  whether  this  is  true  or  not  ; 
and  if  true,  I  ask  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  with  a  view  to  the 
consideration  of  terms  for  surrendering  this  position. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

FRANK  GARDNER, 

Major-General  Commanding  Confederate  State  Forces. 
To  Major-General  Banks, 

Commanding  United  States  Forces  Near  Port  Hudson. 


NEAV    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  281 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  GULF, 

Before  Port  Hudson,  July  8,  1863. 

GENERAL  : — In  reply  to  your  communication  dated  the  seventh 
instant,  by  flag  of  truce  received  a  few  moments  since,  I  have  the 
honor  to  inform  you  that  I  received  yesterday  morning,  July 
.seventh,  at  forty-five  minutes  past  ten  o'clock,  by  the  gunboat 
General  Price,  an  official  despatch  from  Major- General  Ulysses  S. 
Grant,  United  States  Army,  whereof  the  following  is  a  true 
extract : 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE, 

Near  Vicksburg,  July  /,   1863. 
Major-General  N.    P.  Banks, 

Commanding  Department  of  the  Gulf. 

GENERAL  : — The  garrison  of  Vicksburg  surrendered  this  morn 
ing.  The  number  of  prisoners  as  given  by  the  officers  is  twenty- 
seven  thousand  ;  field  artillery,  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
pieces  ;  and  a  large  number  of  siege  guns,  probably  not  less  than 
eighty. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT, 

Major-  General. 

I  regret  to  say  that  under  present  circumstances  I  cannot  con 
sistently  with  my  duty  consent  to  a  cessation  of  hostilities  for  the 
purpose  you  indicate. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

N.   P.  BANKS, 
Major-  (General  Commanding. 

To  Major-General  Frank  Gardner, 

Commanding  Confederate  States  Forces,  Port  Hudson . 


PORT  HUDSON, 

July  <V,   1863. 

GENERAL: — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  communication  of  this  date,  giving  a  copy  of  an  official 
communication  from  Major-General  U.  S.  Grant,  United  States 
Army,  announcing  the  surrender  of  the  garrison  of  1'icksburg. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Having-  defended  this  position  as  long  as  I  deem  my  duty  requires 
I  am  milling  to  surrender  to  you,  and  will  appoint  a  commission  of 
three  officers  to  meet  a  similar  commission  appointed  by  yourself, 
at  nine  o'  clock  this  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  agreeing  upon  and 
drawing  up  the  terms  of  surrender  ;  and  for  that  purpose  I  ask  for 
a  cessation  of  hostilities. 

Will  you  please  designate  a  point,  outside  of  my  breastworks, 
where  the  meeting  shall  be  held  for  this  purpose  ? 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

FRANK  GARDNER, 

Commanding  Confederate  States  Forces. 
To  Major- General  Banks, 

Commanding  United  States  Forces. 


HEADQUARTERS  UNITED  STATES  FORCES, 

Before  Port  Hudson,  July  8,   1863. 

GENERAL  : — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  communication  of  this  date  stating  that  you  are  willing  to 
surrender  the  garrison  under  your  command  to  the  forces  under 
my  command,  and  that  you  will  appoint  a  commission  of  three 
officers  to  meet  a  similar  commission  appointed  by  me,  at  nine 
o'clock  this  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  agreeing  upon  and  draw 
ing  up  the  terms  of  surrender. 

In  reply  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  I  have  designated 
Brigadier-General  Charles  P.  Stone,  Colonel  Henry  W-  Birge  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Richard  B.  Irwin  as  the  officers  to  meet  the 
commission  appointed  by  you. 

They  will  meet  your  officers  at  the  hour  designated  at  a  point 
where  the  flag  of  truce  was  received  this  morning.  I  will  direct 
that  active  hostilities  shall  instantly  cease  on  my  part  until  further 
notice  for  the  purpose  stated . 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

N.  P.  BANKS, 

Major- General  Commanding. 
To  Major-General  Frank  Gardner, 

Commanding  Confederate  States  Forces,  Port  Hudson. 


iPi«fflii  lrf  I    lf  \\  „„ 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  285 

At  the  early  dawn  of  July  ninth  the  whole  Nineteenth 
Army  Corps  was  astir.  There  were  some  expressions  of 
joy,  though  it  cannot  be  said  that  our  men  were  hilarious 
or  even  jubilant.  Our  sufferings  and  losses  had  been  too 
great  for  that  kind  of  demonstration. 

The  bands  were  not  silent,  however,  and  the  "Star 
Spangled  Banner,"  kk  Yankee  Doodle"  and  "Dixie" 
came  borne  upon  the  morning  air — never  to  our  ears 
sounding  sweeter. 

At  seven  o'clock  General  Andrews,  chief  of  staff  of 
General  Banks,  made  his  entrance  into  the  Confederate 
fortifications.  Colonel  Birge  with  his  brave  storming 
column,  whose  services  happily  had  been  dispensed  with, 
was  allowed  the  "post  of  honor"  and  led  all  the  other 
troops.  Next  came  the  heroic  Eighth  New  Hampshire, 
assigned  to  that  position  in  recognition  of  its  gallant  ser 
vices  during  the  entire  campaign  and  especially  during 
the  siege.  This  regiment  Avas  further  complimented, 
after  the  surrender,  by  being  assigned  to  a  camping 
ground  on  a  high  bluff  midway  the  river  front  and  di 
rectly  under  the  "  Stars  and  Stripes"  that  it  had  suf 
fered  so  much  to  defend. 

Having  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  the  Sixteenth 
that  morning,  its  historian  entered  Port  Hudson  among 
the  iirst  of  our  troops  that  led  the  way.  Every  thing- 
bore  evidence  of  the  havoc  our  artillery  had  wrought  in 
that  "  stronghold"  of  the  enemy. 

Scarcely  a  building  of  any  kind,  whether  dwelling- 
house,  store-house  or  workshop,  could  be  seen  that  had 
not  been  leveled  or  riddled  by  the  shot  and  shell  of  our 


286  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

artillerists,  whom  the  Confederates  themselves  acknowl 
edged  to  be  "  unequalled  in  their  deadly  aim  "  and  their 
"  skill  in  handling  their  guns/1 

On  every  hand  there  were  to  be  seen  or  smelt  carcasses 
of  horses  and  mules  which  had  been  killed  by  sharp 
shooters  and  shells.  The  graves,  too,  of  the  dead  Con 
federates  were  many.  Some  of  their  number  had  been 
buried  in  single  graves  though  the  new-turned  earth 
showed  plainly  enough  that  ''heaps  of  their  slain  were 
crowded  into  platooned  graves"  that  were  left  unmarked. 

Soon  we  reached  the  part  of  the  enclosure  where  the 
Confederates  were  drawn  up  in  line,  their  officers  in  front 
of  them,  their  backs  to  the  river.  General  Gardner 
then  advanced  toward  General  Andrews,  and,  in  a  few 
words,  offered  to  surrender  his  sword  with  Port  Hudson. 
But  General  Andrews  told  him,  in  appreciation  of  his 
bravery  that  he  was  at  liberty  to  retain  his  sword. 

The  Federal  troops  were  drawn  up  in  two  lines  on  the 
side  of  the  road  opposite  the  Confederates,  our  officers 
placing  themselves  in  front  of  their  men. 

At  nine-thirty,  a.  m.  after  a  brief  consultation  between 
the  Confederate,  General  Beals,  second  in  command  at 
Port  Hudson  and  General  Andrews,  chief  of  staff  under 
General  Banks,  General  Beals  turning  to  the  thousands 
of  his  command  in  clear  tones  said,  "Attention  !  Ground 
Arms!"  and"  the  motley  line  of  the  late  belligerents  stood 
defenceless  before  us." 

By  many  of  the  Confederates  that  command  seemed 
to  be  obeyed  reluctantly.  And  their  words  betrayed 
the  same  feeling: — "  We  shall  meet  you  again.  This  is 


on 


HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  289 

not  the  last  of  us,"  and  a  few  other  similar  expressions 
escaped  their  lips  as  we  moved  among  them. 

And  the  expression  of  their  faces  and  glances  from 
their  eyes  also  disclosed  the  fact  that  hatred  of  the  North 
had  not  surrendered  its  throne  in  their  hearts,  although 
they  now  were  prisoners  of  war. 

When  the  formalities  of  the  surrender  were  over,  the 
Hag  bearing  the  stars  and  stripes  was  unfolded  to  the 
breeze  from  one  of  the  highest  bluffs  facing  the  river, 
while  a  battery  manned  by  sailors  from  the  man-of-war 
Richmond  thundered  its  salute,  announcing  to  all  within 
hearing  that  the  mighty  Mississippi  was  now  free  to  the 
commerce  of  the  nation. 

The  headquarters  and  the  ammunition  that  the  Six 
teenth  had  been  guarding  were  not  moved  into  Port 
Hudson  until  July  tenth.  The  Sixteenth  remaining  in 
charge  during  the  removal  and,  consequently,  was  among 
the  last  of  our  troops  to  pass  within  the  fortifications. 

AVe  were  assigned  to  a  bluff,  a  sort  of  promontory, 
next  the  river  on  the  north  side  of  the  fort,  partly  shaded 
and  giving  an  excellent  view  of  the  river  south  and  of  its 
bend  west. 

And  here  ended  our  active  service  and  we  were  given 
a  few  days  for  reflection  and  rest. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

RETROSPECTIVE. 

THE  days  that  remained  before  our  departure  north 
from  Port  Hudson  were  not  joyous,  though  our 
active  campaigning  was  over.  We  began  to  realize 
more  keenly  than  before  the  losses  that  had  come  to  us. 
The  faces  of  comrades  who  had  enlisted  with  us,  who 
had  stood  side  by  side  with  us,  but  who  no  longer  ans 
wered  the  roll-call,  haunted  us.  Others  of  our  comrades 
who  still  lingered,  with  languid  and  almost  beseeching 
eyes,  seemed  to  be  asking  of  every  passer  by,  and  of  the 
clouds  in  the  sky  by  day  and  of  the  stars  by  night, 
whether  they  could  live  long  enough  to  see  their  homes 
again  '(  Poor  men,  it  seemed  a  pity  that  that  boon  could 
not  be  granted  ! 

During  those  few  days  of  waiting  other  reflections  came 
to  us  which  we  can  better  formulate  and  express  now 
than  we  could  then. 

In  arranging  our  official  papers  for  their  final  disposi 
tion  we  found  that  we  had  been  attached  first  and  last  to 
the  following  different  divisions  and  brigades:  From 
January  third  to  the  fourteenth  we  were  in  the  third  di- 


NEW    HAMP8HIKE    VOLUNTEERS.  291 

vision,  first  brigade.  From  January  fourteenth  to  July 
eleventh  we  were  in  the  third  division,  first  brigade. 
From  July  eleventh  to  July  eighteenth  we  were  in  the 
third  division,  second  brigade.  After  July  eighteenth 
we  were  in  the  regular  army,  second  brigade,  and  there 
remained  until  August  twentieth,  the  date  of  our  final 
muster  out. 

During  our  term  of  service  we  had  seen  far  less  fight 
ing  on  the  field  and  had  lost  fewer  men  in  battle  than 
perhaps  the  majority  of  the  nine  months'  regiments.  Of 
this,  however,  we  are  not  sure.  But  even  if  this  was  so, 
it  was  no  fault  of  ours.  It  was  rather  one  of  the  inci 
dents  belonging  to  military  service.  We  certainly  shrank 
from  no  duty  and  never  turned  our  backs  upon  the  enemy 
when  he  was  in  sight. 

We  should  have  been  fighting  with  General  Weitzel 
in  the  early  Brashear  campaign  if  the  muskets  issued  to 
us  had  been  suitable  for  such  service. 

In  the  first  advance  on  Port  Hudson  no  regiment  was 
in  a  more  exposed  position  than  ours.  We  did  not  fight 
then,  simply  because  no  enemy  appeared  to  contest  the 
field  with  us. 

At  the  beginning  of  theTeche  campaign  we  were  among 
the  advance  troops  at  Brashear  City,  and  it  was  no  fault 
of  ours  that  we  did  not  move  north  with  General  Emory 
or  that  the  enemy  did  not  attack  us  when  we  were  left  to 
defend  Brashear  City  against  expected  raids. 

From  that  place  we  were  sent  to  take  and  garrison 
one  of  the  most  important  points,  in  all  that  section, 
Butte  a  la  Rose.  We  aided  the  gunboats  in  its  reduc- 


292  HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH    RKGFMENT 

tion,  and  tlien  took  possession  and  held  if  in  tlie  face  of 
Confederates  who  were  constantly  hovering  about  us. 

This  was  the  only  duty  during  our  service  that  we  pled 
to  be  relieved  from.  But  even  this  plea  was  not  made 
that  we  might  escape  from  Confederate  troops,  but  from 
a  poisoned  atmosphere,  foul  water  and  certain  death  by 
disease. 

We  held  that  place  after  all  the  other  troops  west  of 
the  Mississippi  had  been  withdrawn  except  a  few  at 
Brashear  City. 

Though  our  ranks  had  been  depleted,  and  though 
there  was  scarcely  a  well  man  among  us,  we  were  at  all 
times  in  readiness,  and  while  there  we  never  asked  for 
reinforcements.  There  was  not  a  day  while  we  garri 
soned  Bufte  a  la  Hose  that  we  were  not  ready  to  light 
Taylor's  Texan  rangers  had  they  attacked  us.  And  it 
was  no  fault  of  ours  that  they  did  not  do  this. 

Tr  was  no  fault  of  ours  that  we  had  been  ordered  from 
Brashear  City  to  Port  Hudson  only  a  short  time  before 
the  Confederates  captured  that  place  witli  all  its  stores. 

If  was  no  fault  of  ours  that  we  had  been  reduced  to  a 
"few  skeletons'1  and  were,  therefore,  at  the  last  moment 
ordered  out  of  the  rifle  pits  before  Port  Hudson  which 
we  had  entered  expecting1  to  light  while  a  man  of  us  had 
strength  to  load  and  sight  his  musket. 

It  was  no  fault  of  ours  that  from  June  second  to  July 
tenth,  Colonel  Logan  did  not  attack  our  regiment  while 
we  were  guarding  the  ammunition  and  headquarters  of 
the  commanding  Ueneral.  During  that  lime  we  were  in 
line  every  morning  at  a  few  minutes  past  three  o'clock 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  293 

prepared  to  meet  a  foe  that  had  claimed  he  "would 
do  us  all  the  damage  he  could." 

"Whenever  arid  wherever  our  men  had  a  chance  at  the 
enemy  their  skill  and  their  courage  were  commended. 
On  the  gunboats  at  Fort  Burton,  our  rilies  did  all  that 
rifles  could  do,  was  the  acknowledgement  of  the  naval 
officers  who  commanded  that  expedition. 

At  Donaldsonville  from  June  twenty-eighth  to  July 
ninth,  our  men  fought  like  veterans  and  contributed  in 
no  small  measure  to  one  of  the  most  desperate  and 
brilliant  defences  of  the  war. 

And  in  the  fight  at  Springfield  Landing  our  men  were 
the  only  ones  especially  commended  in  the  reports  made 
by  staff  officers  to  General  Banks. 

Throughout  the  campaign  if  the  losses  we  had  suffered 
by  disease  had  been  incurred  on  the  field,  our  record 
certainly  would  have  seemed  more  heroic.  But  are  gun 
shot  wounds  worse  than  those  diseases  that  brought  to 
hundreds  of  our  men  certain  and  often  sudden  death  ( 
Such  the  retrospect  as  to  our  regiment. 

But  in  our  review  we  must  not  be  too  circumscribed. 
Let  us,  therefore,  take  into  account  for  a  moment  the 
entire  field  on  which  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps  had 
figured.  We  already  have  passed  a  few  criticisms.  But 
it  would  be  unjust  if  we  failed  to  state  that  the  poor  cam 
paigning1  of  our  army  had  been  at  no  time  offset  by  that 
which  was  commendable.  The  feint,  for  instance,  on 
Port  Hudson  in  March  and  then  the  sudden  transference 
of  the  army  to  Brashear  City  was  a  remarkably  successful 
piece  of  military  maneuvring. 


294  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REOIMEXT 

The  triumphant  movement  of  our  troops  up  the  Teclie 
country  to  Alexandria,  also  the  march  across  the  country 
from  that  point  to  the  Mississippi  river,  together  with 
the  complete  investment  of  Port  Hudson  and,  in  the 
meantime,  the  holding  of  New  Orleans  as  a  base  of  sup 
plies,  taken  altogether  show  both  comprehensive  plan 
ning  and  very  brilliant  execution.  So  much  truthfully 
can  be  said  by  way  of  commendation. 

And  it  would  please  the  historian  if  this  praise  could 
be  continued  to  the  end  of  the  chapter.  But  if  this  were 
done  it  would  make  for  a  blow  against  the  design  and 
usefulness  of  history.  History  is  of  no  value  as  history 
unless  it  is  a  truthful  story  containing  what,  is  unfavor 
able  as  well  as  that  to  which  is  accorded  our  praises. 
Hence  we  must  call  attention  to  the  uneonnnendable 
parts  of  the  record.  And  we- ought  to  say  that  there  is 
almost  always  an  unconmiendable  side  in  all  great  army 
movements. 

It  is  clear,  upon  a  moment's  reflection,  that  the  first 
advance  of  our  army  on  Port  Hudson  accomplished  noth 
ing.  The  plan  had  been  to  reach  a  point  on  the  night  of 
the  fourteenth  of  March  where  our  artillery  could  be 
used  to  annoy  the  enemy  and  divert  his  attention.  But 
we  had  not  a  single  piece  of  artillery  in  position  that 
night  except  by  way  of  defence,  nor  were  we  near  enough 
to  throw  a  solitary  shell  into  the  enemy's  fortifications. 
Farragut  could  have  passed  'Port  Hudson  just  as  well  as 
he  did  if  our  troops  had  been  one  hundred  miles  a. way  or 
had  been  quietly  resting  at  Baton  Rouge. 

It  was  also  a  great  mistake  to  move  up  into  tin'  Teche 


NKW     HAMPSIIfRK    VOLVXTKEKS.  295 

country  and  especially  on  to  Alexandria  without  posi 
tive  assurances  of  co-operation  with  General  Grant. 
Without  such  co-operation  nothing  of  importance  could 
be  gained  and  assurances  of  such  co-operation,  never  had 
been  given  by  Grant.  And  all  chance  for  co-operation 
was  forfeited  by  Banks'  delay  at  Opelousas. 

That  campaign  cost  us  dearly  with  nothing  to  show 
for  it,  except,  as  we  have  said  before,  cotton,  sugar  and 
molasses. 

After  having  taken  possession  of  that  country  it  was 
a  mistake  to  leave  it  so  precipitately  as  we  did.  It  was 
essentially  a  forced  and  hasty  retreat  with  the  ordinary 
losses,  when  a  retreat  was  by  no  means  necessary.  \Ve 
should  be  less  inclined  to  say  this,  were  the  statement  not 
supported  by  one  who  was  on  the  ground  and  who  made  a 
thorough,  study  of  that  entire  campaign.  After  estimat 
ing  the  strength  of  Banks'  army  at  the  time  and  after 
showing  how  easily  the  country  could  have  been  held 
and  how  unnecessary  was  a  retreat,  Admiral  Porter 
says,  "This  would  not  have  been  done  had  the  leader 
[General  Banks]  been  possessed  of  the  qualifications  of 
a  military  man." 

Tt  was  no  less  a  mistake  to  transfer  the  entire  army 
across  the  country  to  Port  Hudson,  abandoning  the  Six 
teenth  without  support  at  Butte  a  la  Rose  and  without 
providing  for  the  protection  of  Bra  shear  City  and  New 
Orleans. 

Had  a  brigade  of  our  army  moved  down  through  the 
Teche  country,  or  had  it  taken  transports  down  the 
Atchafalaya  relieving  us  on  the  way,  and  protecting 


IIISTOIIY     OF    THE    SIXTKKXTII     RKGI.MKXT 

Brashear  City  until  the  supplies  were  shipped  to  New 
Orleans,  there  would  have  been  saved  to  the  United 
States  in  money  value,  many  times  more  than  was 
received  for  all  the  cotton,  sugar  and  molasses  that 
had  been  confiscated. 

Aside  from  the  great  loss  of  military  stores,  all  the 
personal  baggage  of  ({rovers,  Emory's  and  Weit/el's 
divisions  that  had  been  stored  there  was  captured, 
which  to  our  troops  was  almost  a  calamity. 

All  the  railroad  cars  which  easily  could  have  been  sent 
to  New  Orleans,  were  run  by  the  (Jon federates  into  Ber 
wick  Bay  and  the  heavy  cannon  were  sunk  beneath  its 
muddy  waters.  This  whole  business  by  somebody's 
blundeiing  was  a  disgrace  to  those  who  were  in  com 
mand,  that  scarcely  admits  of  excuse. 

The  two  assaults  on  Port  Hudson  in  May  and  June, 
as  we  have  seen,  were  likewise  grave  mistakes.  Thirty- 
eight  hundred  men  in  those  engagements  were  lost  to  us 
with  nothing  gained. 

May  nineteenth  the  Confederate,  General  Johnson,  as 
the  reader  recalls,  sent  to  Gardner  to  evacuate  Port 
Hudson.  Had  our  forces  simply  withdrawn  on  that  date, 
for  forty-eight  hours,  we  could  have  gained,  except  the 
rifles  of  the  enemy,  everything  we  did  gain  at  the  time 
of  its  surrender,  and  have  saved  all  the  losses  incurred. 

But  it  is  replied  that  if  the  voluntary  evacuation  had 
taken  place  the  Confederates  would  have  been  at  liberty 
to  move  elsewhere  to  light  the  Federal  forces.  But  we 
also  could  have  moved  elsewhere  and  have  been  in  better 
relative  position  to  light,  had  such  a  move  been  made. 


NEW     II  A.M  PSIIIRE    VOLTNTEERS.  297 

But  aside  from  this  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  officers 
and  men  captured  by  Grant  at  Yicksbnrg  and  those 
captured  by  Banks  at  Port  Hudson,  never  kept  their 
paroles  and  never  were  properly  exchanged.  They  were 
reorganized  and  within  a  few  weeks  after  their  surrender, 
were  fighting  in  utter  disregard  of  their  parole. 

Ttwas  afterwards  learned  that  those  men  at  Port  Hud 
son  gave  to  the  parolling  officers  fictitious  names.  Educa 
ted  men  among  them  pretended  not  to  be  able  to  Avrite,  but 
made  marks  against  names  not  their  own.  Somehow  the 
Confederate  soldiers  and  officers  felt  at  liberty  to  engage 
in  all  such  dishonorable  proceedings. 

But  better,  perhaps,  as  was  remarked  before,  than  giv 
ing  Gardner  a  chance  to  escape  would  have  been,  at  least 
from  a  military  point  of  view,  the  "out-camping"  or 
siege  method,  thus  saving  those  bloody  and  fruitless  as 
saults. 

The  more  we  ponder  what  was  done  before  Port  Hud 
son  the  more  inexcusible  seems  the  management  of  that 
part  of  the  campaign  of  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps. 
Those  who. were  responsible  for  the  mismanagement  we 
do  not  envy  and  we  will  not  venture  to  name. 

Our  regiment  took  no  part  in  the  subsequent  Red  river 
expedition,  and  therefore  we  ought,  perhaps,  to  pass  it 
in  silence.  AVe  venture,  however,  a  single  remark  con 
cerning  it.  That  expedition  was  urged  by  General  Ilal- 
leck,  who  was  not  on  the  ground.  Hence  he  was  unquali 
fied  to  judge  properly.  It  was  opposed  by  Admiral 
Porter  and  by  some  of  the  ablest  officers  in  the  Depart 
ment  of  the  Gulf.  The  whole  country  knows  how  disas- 


298  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

trons  to  the   Federal   troops  was  that  expensive  and   un- 
fortuna  te  campaign. 

The  epitaph  we,  therefore,  write  over  the  Department 
of  the  Gulf  is  this:  Sufferings  untold ;  heroism  unex 
celled  ;  rapid  and  brilliant  movements  ;  campaigns  that 
lacked  wisdom  ;  frequent  failure  of  concerted  action  ; 
government  property  wasted  ;  patriotic  and  brave  men 
needlessly  slaughtered ! 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


RETURN  AND   MUSTER  OUT. 


IT  was  August  first,  1803,  when  our  regiment  stood  in 
line  for  the  last  time  on  southern  soil.  The  line, 
however,  was  a  depleted  and  pitiful  one,  so  much  so 
that  the  historian  hesitates  to  attempt  a  description  of  the 
men  who  answered  that  call.  It  seemed  almost  as  if 
death  was  there  with  the  name  of  every  man  on  his  roll, 
and  that  without  much  delay  he  was  to  call  their  names 
one  by  one,  and  thus  break  np  our  ranks  without  any 
command  from  the  officers. 

AYhat  contrasts  were  suggested  !  At  Concord,  in  New 
York,  and  early  in  the  year  at  Carrollton,  Louisiana,  the 
adjutant  had  stood  with  pride  before  a  body  of  as  strong 
and  noble  men  as  ever  formed  in  regimental  line.  But 
August  first,  after  fewer  than  twelve  months  had  passed, 
the  regiment  was  scarcely  more  in  number  than  one  of 
the  original  companies  had  been. 

As  the  adjutant  looked  upon  those  haggard  and  pale 
faces  and  bent  forms,  and  as  he  heard  those  husky  and 
hollow  voices  answering  to  the  roll-call,  he  turned  away 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

from  the  scene  with  emotions  that  can  find  no  expression 
in  any  tongue  spoken  by  men. 

The  historian  at  this  point,  for  a  few  moments,  will 
allow  others  to  speak.  Says  Captain  Bosworth  :  tlWe 
were  waiting  orders  to  take  the  steamer  and  report  at 
Concord,  New  Hampshire.  One  of  the  saddest  sights 
that  T  ever  witnessed,  two  or  three  days  before  we  left, 
was  to  look  down  the  company's  streets  and  see  the  many 
sick  men,  hardly  one  of  whom  was  fit  for  duty,  lying  on 
the  ground.  Many  of  them  not  able  to  move  about  but 
longing  to  start  for  home.  Many  of  those  men  who  left 
New  Hampshire  nine  months  before,  full  of  the  pride 
and  strength  of  manhood  and  youthful  ardor,  were  so  de 
bilitated  that  it  was  apparent  they  could  never  reach 
their  homes. 

'k  When  the  order  came  on  the  last  day  of  July  and 
the  officers  call  was  sounded  from  the  colonel's  quarters, 
one  officer  from  each  company  reported  at  once.  The 
adjutant  read  the  order  to  pack  and  go  on  board  steamer 
Sallie  List.  The  colonel  made  a  few  remarks  saying, 
'You  all  know  our  only  surgeon  is  prostrated  with  sick 
ness  and  that  we  have  a  great  many  sick  men  unable  to 
get  down  to  the  landing.  Captain  Bosworth  will  turn 
over  the  command  of  his  company  to  his  lieutenant 
and  take  charge  of  the  ambulances  and  see  that  every 
sick  and  disabled  man  is  carried  down  to  the  bluff  and 
taken  on  board  the  steamer.' 

"It  was  nearly  a  mile  to  the  bluff  and  the  men  one 
after  another  were  taken  down  in  ambulances.  Then 
they  were  carefully  taken  out  and  laid  on  the  ground 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  8()3 

witli.  their  knapsacks  for  pillows.  Then  they  were 
gently  taken  on  stretchers,  aboard  the  boat.  This  duty 
took  np  our  time  until  evening.  At  length  we  all  were 
aboard  the  steamer  and  at  midnight  she  started  for 
Cairo." 

From  remarks  made  by  Captain  Howard  at  one  of  our 
late  camp  fires  at  the  Weirs  we  quote  the  following:— 

%kl  was  ordered  with  my  company  to  see  that  the  knap 
sacks  that,  had  been  taken  on  baggage  wagons  from  our 
encampment  at  Port  Hudson  to  the  landing,  were  pro 
perly  placed  and  stored  on  board  the  steamer,  Sallie  List. 

"  In  my  entire  company  there  were  but  three  men  who 
were  able  to  render  any  assistance.  With  these  excep 
tions  our  men  were  too  disheartened  and  sick  to  care 
whether  or  not  their  knapsacks  or  any  other  of  their 
belongings  were  placed  on  board  the  steamer." 

A  remark  of  the  post  quartermaster  was  also  sadly 
suggestive.  He  had  visited  the  boat  during  the  em 
barking  of  the  men,  to  ascertain  what  supplies  were 
needed.  Among  other  invoices  that  he  thought,  after 
making  this  visit,  were  necessary,  was  a  quantity  of 
plain,  pine  coffins.  These  accordingly  were  ordered. 

When  the  team  that  brought  them  came  alongside  the 
boat  he  said  to  the  officer  of  the  day: — " I  judge  by 
the  looks  of  your  men  that  you  Avill  need  most  of  these 
before  you  reach  home."  The  sick  and  enfeebled  men 
looked  at  those  coffins  while  being  brought  on  board 
and — wondered. 

It  was  nearly  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  August 
second,  when  our  transport,  the  Sdllie  List,  a  small 


)>()4  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    JlEdlMENT 

stern-wheel  freight  boat,  cleared  the  landing,  swung 
into  tlie  stream  and  lieaded  nortli.  What  glad  visions 
of  home  were  awakened  in  the  minds  of  our  men  !  Many 
of  them  thought  if  they  only  could  reach  home  they 
Avmild  ask  on  this  earth  no  greater  blessedness. 

The  past,  even  the  near  past  began  to  have  the  tinge 
of  dreams.  Even  thus  early  we  hardly  could  believe 
that  what  we  had  been  through  was  a  reality. 

On  the  way  up  the  river  the  boat  landed  at  Natchez 
leaving  some  of  our  men  who  already  were  stricken  with 
death. 

At  Yicksburg,  General  Grant  ordered  his  post  surgeon 
to  examine  our  sick,  with  a  view  of  transferring  to  the 
floating  hospital  stationed  there,  all  who  were  unable  to 
continue  the  journey. 

The  surgeon's  examination  was  necessarily  a  brief  one 
but  was  long  enough  to  surprise  and  startle  him.  He 
ordered  forty  of  our  sickest  men  to  be  removed  to  the 
hospital  boat.  Poor  men,  they  begged  with  tears  cours 
ing  down  their  cheeks  to  be  allowed  to  go  on  with  their 
comrades.  They  were  told  by  the  kind-hearted  surgeon 
that  their  only  hope  of  ever  reaching  home  was  to  receive 
medical  treatment  there,  and  rest  for  awhile. 

This  quieted  them  to  a  certain  extent,  but  still,  as  if 
some  dread  premonition  hung  over  them,  they  reluct 
antly  bade  us  goodbye.  Of  those  left,  it  grieves  us  to 
say,  only  one  lived  to  reach  New  Hampshire. 

Our  sick  and  dying  were  left  also  at  Helena,  Memphis, 
Columbus  and  Cairo,  where  they  were  cared  for  and 
buried  at  the  hands  of  pitying  strangers.  As  Captain 


—          LL 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  307 

Rice,  speaking  of  the  condition  of  the  regiment  and  of 
the  deaths  that  occurred  on  the  way  home  says  : 

;t  Our  dead  He  buried  from  Port  Hudson  to  Cairo  ; 
nay,  in  the  soil  of  every  state  from  Louisiana  to  New 
Hampshire  they  sleep  their  last  sleep." 

It  was  August  ninth,  when  our  steamboat  trip  ended 
and  we  were  transferred  at  Cairo  to  cattle  and  freight 
cars.  The  accommodations  in  the  stiffled  and  contracted 
steamboat  quarters  had  been  none  too  good.  During  a 
part  of  the  time  up  the  river  the  days  had  been  hot  and 
the  nights  oppressive.  Our  men  meanwhile  were  bunk 
ing  on  the  hard  floors,  the  rough  decks,  on  piles  and 
boxes  of  freight  and  among  baggage  and  coffins. 

All  this  had  been  hard  enough  to  endure  but  it  was 
unspeakably  worse  in  those  comfortless  and  nnkept  cat 
tle  and  freight  cars.  The  continual  jar  and  jolting  were 
distressingly  painful  to  our  sick  men  and  no  doubt  hast 
ened  the  death  of  not  a  few  of  them. 

Perhaps,  however,  these  were  the  best  accommodations 
the  government  at  the  time  could  provide.  We  hope, 
however,  that  this  was  not  a  part  of  the  murderous  con 
tract  business  that  cost  scores  of  valuable  lives  while  it 
enriched  a  few  scoundrels. 

Two  days  and  nights  later  we  were  transferred  to  a 
train  of  emigrant,  and  at  length  to  comfortable  passenger 
cars. 

Our  journey  took  us  through  Centralia  and  Mattoon, 
Terra  Haute  and  Indianapolis,  l/niou,  Bellefontaine, 
Buffalo,  Albany  and  Worcester  to  Concord.  ";  At  all 
those  and  at  other  places"  as  Comrade  Gilman  says,  "  a 


308  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

heartfelt,  gushing  sympathy  for  our  suffering  regiment 
was  manifested,  loyal  men  and  tender  loving  women, 
pressed  upon  us  edibles,  cordials,  and  delicacies  in  pro 
fusion." 

On  the  morning  of  August  fourteenth  the  train  bear 
ing  our  regiment  entered  slowly  the  station  at  Concord 
whence  we  had  left  November  twenty-fifth  the  year  be 
fore. 

Our  regiment  had  enlisted  for  nine  months  but  some 
of  our  men  dating  from  the  time  of  enrolment  were  in 
service  from  twelve  to  thirteen  months  and  a  large  num 
ber  of  them  had  served  only  a  month  less  than  a  year. 

The  final  muster  out  did  not  take  place  until  August 
twentieth. 

But  we  are  anticipating  a  little.  For  several  hours,  in 
some  instances  for  days,  before  reaching  Concord  our 
men  had  been  dusting  and  washing  themselves,  putting 
on  their  cleanest  cloths  and  rubbing  the  dirt,  and  rust 
from  their  accoutrements  in  order  to  make,  in  presence 
of  their  friends,  as  respectable  appearance  as  possible. 

And  we  measurably  must  have  succeeded  in  this  for 
the  regiment,  it  was  said,  did  not  present  quite  such  a 
pitiable  and  deplorable  spectacle  as  was  expected  from 
reports  that  had  reached  the  north,  as  to  our  condition 
when  leaving  Fort  Burton  for  Port  Hudson.  And  yet 
some  of  our  comrades  were  so  changed  that  fathers  look 
ing  into  the  faces  of  their  own  sons  did  not  know  them. 

As  we  stepped  from  the  cars  there  was  a  repetition  of 
scenes  that  never  can  be  forgotten  by  those  who  wit 
nessed  them.  Husbands  and  wives,  mothers  and  sons, 


'he  Wife  Whose  Husband  did  not  Return  with  the  Regiment, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  311 

brothers  and  sisters,  young  men  and  those  to  whom 
they  were  betrothed  were  quickly  and  firmly  clasped  in 
one  another's  arms.  There  were,  even  among  the  lookers 
on,  but  few  cheeks  not  bathed  in  tears.  But  there  was 
joy  in  those  tears. 

There  were,  however,  other  groupings  here  and  there 
composed  of  those  who  had  come  to  greet  us,  fully  con 
fident  of  meeting  dear  ones  of  whose  death  they  had  not 
heard.  Eagerly  they  were  peering  through  the  car  win 
dows  to  get  a  glimpse  of  faces  they  longed  to  see.  Fail 
ing  in  this  they  crowded  among  us  as  we  tiled  out  of  the 
train  and  pressed  upon  us  their  questions  : — "  Where  is 
Edward,  or  John,  or  Lawrence?"  was  asked  by  those 
anxious  ones  of  those  whom  they  recognized  as  former 
friends.  We  hesitated  to  answer.  "  What  has  hap 
pened  ?  Did  he  not  come,  is  he  dead?"  were  the  ex 
clamations  that  followed  and  that  had  to  be  answered 
thus: — "He  died  just  as  we  were  leaving  Port  Hudson," 
or  "he  was  left  and  buried  at  Natchez,  or  Vicksburg,  or 
Cairo." 

Dear  Souls!  God  alone  kneAv  the  anguish  on  that 
morning  of  those  bereaved  and  disappointed  hearts. 

Sad  messages,  too,  were  soon  on  their  way  to  anxious 
and  agonized  homes  in  the  busy  city,  in  the  quiet  vil 
lage,  and  to  the  lowly  hamlet  that  stood  in  the  hush  of 
the  valley,  or  in  the  quiet  among  the  beautiful  hills. 

During  the  next  day  or  two  the  kind-hearted  neighbors 
entered  the  home  of  more  than  one  of  our  soldiers  where 
the  wife  or  mother  was  in  waiting  for  the  coming  of  the 
dear  one.  There  was  no  mistaking  the  expression  on  the 


312  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     K  K(J  I MENT 

face  of  the  messenger,  even  before  the  words  were  spoken 
from  Ills  trembling  lips. 

Agony  !  Is  there  not  some  Avord  in  our  tongue  that 
can  more  fittingly  tell  the  world  of  the  sacrifices  that 
were  made  by  those  whose  lives  were  saddened  and 
shortened,  and  who  with  broken  hearts  long  since  were 
laid  to  rest  ! 


Such  is  the  story  of  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire 
Regiment.  And  we  repeat  once  more  that  while  our 
deaths  on  the  battle  field  were  not  many,  yet  it  becomes 
our  mournful  duty  to  say  that  from  the  time  we  went 
into  active  service  to  the  time  of  our  muster  out,  our 
death  record  is  almost  unparalleled  by  that  of  any  other 
regiment  from  our  or  any  other  state. 

Including  those  who  died  within  only  a  few  weeks 
after  their  return,  and  who  never  rallied  from  the  diseases 
contracted  at  Fort  Burton,  our  roll  of  death,  by  the  most 
careful  estimates  of  our  adjutant-general,  reached  from 
forty  to  forty-five  per  cent,  of  the  men  originally 
enlisted. 

Only  a  few  of  ns  are  left.  The  most  of  these,  as  the 
years  go  by,  are  feeling  more  and  more  the  effects  of  our 
fatal  campaign. 

After  a  few  years  are  added  to  our  national  history,  it 
will  be  left  for  our  children  and  our  children's  children 
to  rehearse  the  story  of  how  their  fathers  fought  and 
suffered  and  died  to  preserve  the  union  of  states — "one 
and  inseparable/' 


CHAPTER    XVII. 


PRESENT  POINT  OF  VIEW,   1897. 

IT  is  tlie  province  of  the  historian  after  telling  his 
story  of  the  past  to  reduce  it  to  a  philosophy  for 
guidance  in  the  future. 

In  doing  this  we  may  be  allowed  to  say  a  few  things 
in  this  closing  chapter  that  we  hope  the  not  large  but 
none  the  less  renowned  state  that  sent  us  in  to  the  army, 
whose  principle  products  are  said  to  be  "ice  and  gran 
ite  and  men,"  will  not  regard  on  our  part  as  ill-timed 
or  ill-advised. 

First  of  all,  however,  and  with  no  special  reference  to 
duties  incumbent  upon  our  state  authorities,  we  may 
express  the  judgment  that  no  soldier  of  the  Union  Army 
should  keep  alive,  and  we  believe  no  real  soldier  cares 
to  keep  alive,  the  animosities  and  prejudices  of  the  past. 

Nor  should  our  northern  people  ask  southern  people 
to  withhold  on  decoration  or  other  days,  tributes  of  love 
and  respect  from  their  dead  even  though  they  were 
engaged  in  a  lost  and  mistaken  cause. 


314  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

When  we  of  the  Federal  army  meet  men  who  fought 
in  the  Confederate  ranks  we  heartily  may  give  them  a 
soldier's  salutation.  For  though  their  valor  was  misdi 
rected,  still  they  are  of  our  blood  and  their  courage  and 
fortitude  on  the  battle  field  were  such  as  entitle  them  to 
that  much  recognition. 

But  we  are  not  called  upon  to  go  further,  or  to  be  in 
the  least  unmindful  of  the  principles  for  which  the 
soldiers  in  the  northern  army  enlisted  and  fought. 

And  more  than  this,  we  owe  it  to  the  past,  we  owe  it 
to  our  dead,  we  owe  it  to  ourselves  and  we  owe  it  to  the 
future  to  keep  alive  the  conviction  that  the  cause  for 
which  the  Federal  army  f ought,  was  just  and  right. 

This  faith  we  must  teach  to  our  children  and  they  must 
be  told  to  teach  it  to  their  children;  and  no  reasonable 
man  in  the  south  would  think  well  of  us  if  we  did  less 
than  this. 

Indeed  the  conviction  and  faith  that  we  were  right,  must 
constitute  the  fuel  of  the  real  camp  fires  that  are  to  be  kept 
burning  while  life  remains  and  comrades  meet.  Our  pat 
riotism  and  our  conscientious  defence  of  the  Union  were 
the  most  sacred  gifts  we  could  place  upon  the  altar  of  Am 
erican  liberty.  And  having  done  this  we  may  glory  in  it. 

May  we  not  also  remind  our  people  of  this,  that 
the  safety  of  the  republic,  in  a  measure  at  least,  rests 
upon  their  frank  acknowledgement  of  the  services  of  the 
soldier^  If  patriotism  and  personal  sacrifice  for  the 
country's  good  have  no  recognition  above  that  accorded 
to  selfishness,  then  the  body  politic  already  has  within 
itself  the  seeds  of  decay  and  death. 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  315 

And  if  the  time  ever  conies  when  the  public;  heart 
feels  no  indignation  at  the  unqualified  announcement, 
for  instance,  that  "army  pensioners  are  only  looters  of 
the  United  States  Treasury, "spoken  by  men  who  cow 
ardly  remained  at  home  when  others  were  in  the  field, 
then  we  may  well  begin  to  feel  solicitude  for  the  welfare 
of  the  Federal  union. 

We  trust  all  patriotic-  people  Avill  resent  such  reflec 
tions  when  cast  upon  our  worthy  pensioners.  The  men 
who  composed  our  own  regiment  we  know  did  not  enlist 
for  pensions  or  money.  Some  of  them  received  a  bounty, 
it  is  true  but  it  was  taken  to  supply  their  families  with 
food  and  clothing  while  they  ivere  in  the  field.  But  the 
bounty  scarcely  entered  into  the  motives  that  led  our 
comrades  to  leave  their  comfortable  firesides  for  the 
sufferings  and  perils  of  army  life.  Many  of  our  men 
made  no  calculations  at  all  of  what  they  were  to  receive 
for  their  services.  They  sprang  to  the  nation's  defence, 
not  asking  for  money  or  honor  or  even  gratitude  but 
because  the  country  was  in  peril  and  was  pleading  for 
men  to  come  to  her  rescue.  And  now  that  some  of  those 
defenders  need  help,  shall  the  country  withhold  it? 

The  words  of  one  who  often  has  spoken  in  the  soldiers' 
behalf  may  well  be  quoted  and  repeated  :— 

"The  state  and  the  nation  must  not  forget  that  it  still 
owes  an  undischarged  obligation  to  the  survivors  of  that 
terrible  war.  The  promise  made  to  those  men  in  the 
hour  of  the  nation's  deadly  peril  must  be  religiously 
kept,  for  the  nation  may  want  soldiers  again.  Many  of 
those  men  are  sufferint>-  from  wounds  and  disabilities 


316  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

contracted  in  the  service,  and  from  tlie  increasing  in 
firmities  of  years.  The  little  nags  in  the  cemeteries  are 
increasing,  and  with  them  the  widows  and  orphans  of 
our  fallen  comrades. 

"Men  of  large  means,  and  patriotic  men  in  the  day  of 
the  nation's  need,  came  to  her  relief  with  their  money, 
and  took  the  nation's  bonds  for  security.  The  soldiers 
of  the  nation  always  have  insisted  that  those  men  should 
be  paid  principal  and  interest  in  gold,  and  to  the  litter- 
most  farthing,  and  they  have  been  so  paid. 

"  The  defenders  of  the  flag  took  their  pay  at  thirteen 
dollars  pel1  month  in  depreciated  currency,  some  of  the 
time  worth  thirty-three  cents  on  a  dollar  ;  and  will  the 
bondholders  and  property  owners  now  begrudge  to  those 
men  who  were  disabled  the  little  sum  allowed  them  by 
the  pension  law  of  the  United  States." 

Such  ingratitude  to  the  men  who  stood  between  Lee's 
army  at  Gettysburg  and  our  northern  cities  during  the 
terrible  days  of  the  rebellion,  and  to  the  men  who  guarded 
and  defended  the  entire  range  of  western  states,  and  to 
the  men  who  opened  the  Mississippi  river  to  the  com 
merce  of  the  nation,  from  Cairo  to  its  mouth,  would  be 
as  base  a  return  for  suffering  and  sacrifice  as  one  can 
imagine. 

Another  thought  that  carries  with  it  an  important 
lesson  to  our  state  administration,  is  that  we  should  be  in 
constant  readiness  for  war.  If  our  state  is  wise,  its 
action  as  to  the  future  will  be  modilied  by  what  has 
taken  place  in  the  past.  When,  therefore,  we  recall  how 
illy  prepared  our  northern  troops  were  to  cope  with  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  317 

south  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  and  when  we  recall 
what  our  losses  were  in  consequence,  the  conviction  can 
not  fail  to  make  itself  felt  that  such  an  un military  spirit 
and  condition  never  again  should  be  allowed  to  exist  in 
New  Hampshire  or  in  New  England.  We  had  to  pay 
too  dearly  for  thirty  years  of  military  indifference  and 
carelessness  to  justify  at  any  time  the  sheathing'  of  the 
s  wo  I'd. 

We  are  not  unmindful,  while  saying  this,  that  there 
is  rather  a  popular  sentiment  which  contends  that  there 
need  be,  and  are  to  be  no  more  wars  ;  that  the  mission 
of  the  sword  has  ended  ;  that  all  armies,  therefore,  may 
be  disbanded  ;  that  nations  are  to  settle  their  disputes 
by  peaceful  arbitration  ;  and  that  our  Republic  no 
longer  needs  government  troops,  state  militia,  or  power 
ful  navies. 

The  fact  is  rather,  that  while  wheat  and  tares  grow  to 
gether  on  the  same  soil,  and  on  the  same  soil  they  will 
grow  until  Christ  comes,  conflict  with  arms  must  be  pro 
vided  for.  Peace  measures  in  which  the  sword  is  dis 
honored  or  forgotten  more  than  once  have  been  tried, 
but  with  results  strikingly  uniform.  Carlyle,  speaking 
of  such  an  effort  in  Great  Britain,  says  :— 

"The  English  nation,  having  Hung  its  old  Puritan 
sword  and  Bible  faith  into  the  cesspool,  or,  rather,  hav 
ing  set  its  old  P>ible  faith,  minus  any  sword,  well  up  in 
the  organ-loft,  with  plenty  of  revenue,  there  to  preach 
and  organ  at  discretion,  on  condition  always  of  med 
dling  with  nobody's  practice,  thought  the  same  a  mighty 
pretty  arrangement,  but  found  a  hitch  before  long.1' 


HI  8  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIME  XT 

AYe  have  every  reason  to  believe  in  the  Puritan  Bible, 
at  least  in  that  part  of  it  containing  the  Sermon  on  the 
Mount.  But  to  lose  faith  in  the  Puritan  sword  and  to 
fling  it  now,  as  Carlyle  would  say,  "into  the  cesspool," 
or  in  other  words  not  to  provide  adequate  military 
defences,  and  not  faithfully  to  cultivate  the  military 
spirit,  is  the  absurdest  and  supremest  of  follies. 

Men  may  talk  of  the  needlessness  of  war  until  hoarse, 
and  dream  of  millenniums  without  number  but,  rather 
the  world  should  be  looked  at  as  it  is  and  men  should  be 
regarded  as  they  are,  and  not  as  we  can  imagine  them 
to  be. 

The  fact  cannot  be  ignored  that  the  day  urnm  which 
moral  evil  entered  this  world,  and  corrupted  human 
hearts,  wTas  the  day  the  sword  began  to  have  its  use, 
even  at  the  gates  of  Paradise,  and  in  the  hands  of 
angels,  and  it  wall  continue  to  have  its  dreaded  use 
until  moral  evil  no  longer  curses  the  earth.  The  man  of 
wrar  must  have  his  place  whenever  and  wherever  is  found 
the  man  of  sin. 

Suppose  Europe  were  not  now  armed  (June  1897),  and 
suppose  she  had  not  the  military  spirit,  and  could  do 
nothing  except  to  cry,  "peace,  peace?"  Does  any  one 
imagine  that  there  would  be  an  escape  from  an  Asiatic 
religious  war,  or  that  the  Turk,  whose  thirst  for  blood 
is  insatiable,  would  be  restrained  from  devastating- 
Europe,  with  sword  and  firebrand,  north  and  south,  east 
and  west;;  The  Turk  in  fewer  than  twenty  days  would 
deluge  Europe  in  blood,  if  Europe  were  defenceless. 

In  common  with  all  our    readers  we    deplore  the    evils 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  319 

and  devastations  of  war  when  playing  "  the  game  of 
sovereigns,"  and  needlessly  baptizing  the  earth  in  sorrow 
and  blood.  Still  we  hold  the  theory  now,  precisely  as 
we  did  when  we  entered  the  United  States  service  in 
1862,  that  while  the  sword  is  an  evil,  it  is  in  this  world 
a  necessary  evil;  while  it  is  a  scourge  it  may  also  be  a 
balm. 

k<  War  is  Jtell  "are  the  energetic    words  of  one  of  our 
greatest  generals;  but  our  older  theologians  have  taught 
us  that    hell,  in  a  universe  where  sin  seeks  the  mastery, 
is  a  necessity. 

"  While  to  engage  in  war  without  a  clear  necessity  is 
a  crime."  as  Southey  says,  "still  when  the  necessity  is 
clear,  it  then  becomes  a  crime  to  shrink  from  it." 

The  soldier  therefore  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  the  au 
thor  of  war,  nor  is  he  armed  to  encourage  war.  He  is 
rather  a  minister  of  righteousness  authorized  to  maintain 
peace.  The  losses  of  war  are  to  be  deplored;  but  the 
crushing  of  tyrants,  the  salvation  of  societies,  the  pre 
servation  of  states  and  of  good  governments,  are  not  to 
be  deplored. 

Few  sublimer  sights  on  this  earth  could  be  witnessed 
than  the  leaping  of  a  million  swords  from  their  scabbards 
to  end  a  disreputable  peace  that  has  been  purchased  at 
the  expense  of  an  endangered  republic,  or  at  the  loss  of 
those  inalienable  rights  that  belong  to  a  true  and  noble 
manhood. 

The  destruction  of  life  is  bad,  says  Dr.  Hedge  "  but  it 
is  not  the  worst  of  evils.  The  waste  of  property,  the 
desolation  of  cities  and  villages,  the  ruin  of  families,  the 


820  HISTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

tears  of  widows  and  orphans,  are  bad  ;  but  the  sacrifice  of 
justice,  the  abandonment  of  principle,  the  loss  of  a 
nation's  rights,  are  worse,  unquestionably  worse,  infi 
nitely  worse  than  bloodshed." 

It  is  true  that  under  certain  conditions  one  may  allow 
oneself  to  be  smitten  on  the  right  cheek  and  then  may 
turn  the  other  to  receive  the  second  blow.  But  for  a 
man  to  permit  an  assassin  unresisted  to  enter  his  neigh 
bor's  house  when  he  could  prevent  it,  is  base,  and  that 
man,  morally,  is  a  criminal.  And,  too,  when  the  public, 
or  when  our  brother  man,  or  any  woman  of  any  nation 
ality  in  Christendom  is  in  peril  and  looks  to  a  fellow 
man  for  protection,  then  the  beautiful  plea,  of  non- 
resistance  is  neither  safe,  sound,  manly,  philanthropic, 
nor  religious. 

The  fact  is  that  the  day  for  melting  our  cannon  into 
church  bells  will  be  when  men  do  as  they  would  be  done 
by,  loving  philanthrophy  better  than  plunder.  The 
time  for  beating  our  swords  into  ploughshares  and 
spears  into  pruning  hooks  will  be  when  ploughshares 
can  turn  the  furrow,  and  when  all  other  industries  can 
be  pursued  without  fear  from  either  the  bludgeon  in  the 
hands  of  a  fellow  workman,  who  by  striking  lias  lost  his 
place,  or  from  the  rich  man's  "trust'"  by  which  one 
dares  to  take  advantage  of  the  necessities  of  the  poor, 
and  when  tyrants  have  ceased  to  oppress  and  rob  their 
subjects  beyond  endurance.  And  that  day  has  not  yet 
dawned.  But  more  specifically  we  may  say  that  there 
are  conditions  and  contingencies  in  our  country  today 
that  should  be  provided  for. 


HAMPSHIRE  VOLITNTEERS.  321 

Said  General  Garlield,  in  a  speecli  delivered  during 
the  labor  troubles  of  1877  :  "I  am  for  the  reign  of  law 
in  this  Republic,  and  for  an  army  large  enough  to  make 
it  sure." 

That  sentiment,  "I  am  for  the  reign  of  law  in  this 
Republic,  and  for  an  army  large  enough  to  make  it  sure," 
should  meet  with  the  approval  of  every  loyal  citizen  and 
should  be  written  in  letters  of  flame  where  they  will  con 
front  the  flood  tide  of  immigrants  as  they  land  on  these 
A m erican  sh ores. 

That  is,  we  should  have  an  army  large  enough  to  de 
fend  the  rights  of  every  native  born  and  loyal  citizen 
against  all  new  comers  who  are  not  equally  loyal. 

Perhaps  on  these  pages  we  ought  not  to  be  any  more 
explicit  than  we  have  been,  though  our  convictions  are 
clear  as  to  certain  perils,  civil  arid  ecclesiastical,  that  are 
threatening  our  national  existence. 

But  in  passing  we  may  utter  this  word  of  warning  that 
if  the  day  ever  comes  when  the  mass  of  our  people  cry 
and  sue  for  peace  ;  saying  in  words  and  conduct,  any 
thing  under  heaven  for  peace  ;  give  us  peace  without  any 
fighting  for  it;  whatever  demands  are  made  upon  us  and 
whatever  perils  threaten,  civil  or  ecclesiastical  give  us 
peace  ;  though  our  brothers  are  betrayed  and  murdered, 
though  our  sisters  are  outraged,  though  our  fathers  and 
mothers  are  crushed  under  the  heels  of  tyrants,  no 
matter  for  this,  if  we  only  can  have  peace — when  that 
day  comes  then  the  day  has  also  come  when  God  will  turn 
his  face  from  us  and  say  as  he  did  of  old,  "Cursed  is  lie 
who  holdeth  back  the  sword  from  blood." 


322  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Manliood  is  worth  more  than  peace,  and  the  state  Avill 
not  get  manhood  without  a  union  of  both  the  religions 
and  the  heroic,  spirit. 

We  are  not  unmindful  of  the  objection  sometimes 
urged  that  the  military  spirit  and  military  education 
Irave  a  tendency  to  demoralize  the  citizen.  In  the  name 
of  our  dead  and  living  comrades  we  say  that  is  not  true. 

The  sword,  acquaintance  with  it,  and  the  use  of  it, 
may  be,  on  the  other  hand,  eminently  humanizing  and 
ennobling.  The  cause  for  which  the  sword  is  drawn,  and 
the  motives  with  which  it  is  wielded,  decide  the  moral 
effects  of  that  handling. 

In  the  royal  gallery  at  Versailles  may  be  seen  an 
equestrian  portrait  of  Gosias,  Conte  de  Rautza,  Marshal 
of  France  in  1645.  He  is  represented  as  sitting  upon  his 
horse,  with  one  wooden  leg  in  the  stirrup.  One  sleeve 
of  his  coat  is  empty.  Over  one  eye  is  a  painted  patch  to 
conceal  its  loss.  Only  one  ear  remains.  His  face  is 
scarred  and  war-worn,  yet  it  wears  a  high  and  noble 
expression. 

Over  the  painting  is  an  inscription,  containing  the 
name  of  the  soldier,  and  these  memorable  words  :  "  He 
scattered,  everywhere,  his  limbs  and  his  glory  ;  his  blood 
was,  in  a  hundred  places,  the  price  of  his  victory  ;  and 
the  warfare  in  which  he  engaged  left  nothing  sound  about 
him  but  his  heart." 

Of  multitudes  of  our  soldiers  battling  at  the  call  of  the 
state  in  a  righteous  cause  whatever  their  losses,  it  may  be 
said  that  their  hearts  like  that  of  the  French  Marshal 
remain  the  very  throne  of  honor  and  purity.  Scenes  of 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

slaughter,  even  the  most  terrible,  need  not  harden  any 
soldier,  nor  need  the  freedom  and  relaxation  of  camp  and 
garrison  life,  of  necessity,  produce  "  criminal  license." 

Joshua  and  Nehemiah,  among  the  Jews  ;  Xeuopiiou, 
one  of  the  noblest  generals  among  the  Greeks  ;  Scipio. 
equally  eminent  among  the  Romans  ;  Cornelius,  one  of 
the  first  Gentile  converts  of  the  Christian  religion  ; 
Turenne,  Marlborough.  Miles  Standish,  Grant,  Farragut, 
and  others  of  the  most  distinguished  military  and  naval 
heroes  of  history,  have  united  with  the  martial  spirit 
absolute  uprightness  and  untainted  moral  purity. 

While  Moses  was  at  prayer  among  the  mountains, 
Joshua  was  wielding  the  sword  on  the  plains;  and, 
Joshua  not  Moses  was  thought  to  be  the  fitter  to  enter 
the  Land  of  Promise.  And  the  Master  the  most  noble 
and  tender  of  men  was  the  one  who  said?  "  I  am  come 
not  to  send  peace  on  earth  but  a  sword." 

At  the  time  when  ancient  Israel  was  utterly  Godless, 
was  the  time,  too,  when  there  was  not  a  shield,  nor  a  spear 
to  be  seen  among  the  forty  thousand  of  her  degraded 
people. 

Florence  Nightengale,  writing  of  herself  in  a  letter  to 
a  brigade  of  British  volunteers  says,  I  have  seen  more 
than  any  man,  what  a  horrid  thing  war  is,  yet  I  feel  more 
than  any  man  that  the  military  spirit  in  a  good  cause,  is 
a  matchless  leaven  for  the  National  character." 

And  when  our  war  ended  the  world  had  one  of  the 
most  striking  illustrations  possible  of  what  we  are  say 
ing. 

Our  soldiers  did  not  return  as  a  mob  of  desperadoes 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

and  bandits  ;  but  in  a  few  days  three  mighty  armies  at 
the  word  of  command  grounded  their  arms,  disbanded 
their  organizations  and  quietly  disappeared  from  fields 
of  carnage. 

''One  day  those  soldiers  stood  the  mightiest  force  on 
earth  ;  the  next  day  they  were  our  peaceful  fellow 
citizens.  As  a  summer  storm  darkens  the  whole  heavens, 
shakes  the  ground  with  its  thunder  and  empties  its 
quiver  of  lightning  and  is  gone  in  an  hour,  as  if  it  had 
never  been,  so  was  it  with  our  armies." 

More  than  thirty  years  have  passed  since  the  muster  out 
of  our  own  regiment.  The  president  of  our  regimental 
association  has  been  making  for  three  years  a  most 
exhaustive  inquiry  into  the  life  and  whereabouts  of  our 
men.  The  following  bearing  on  the  point  before  us  is 
what  he  reported  two  years  ago  and  reiterates  today  : 

"The  Sixteenth  Regiment  has  had  no  representatives 
in  penal  institutions,  reformatories  or  charitable  institu 
tions.  One  comrade  was  in  our  state  home  at  Tilton, 
which  was  no  discredit  to  him  or  to  us.  A  liberal  per 
centage  are  men  of  prominence  in  their  chosen  trades 
and  professions." 

Facts,  therefore,  warrant  us  in  saying  that  amid  all 
the  horrors  of  clashing  arms,  and  of  garments  rolled  in 
blood,  the  true  and  heroic  soldier,  instead  of  losing,  may 
add  immensely  to  his  personal  righteousness  and 
nobility. 

In  this  country,  it  is  the  selfish,  cowardly  spirit  that 
insists  on  sheathing  the  sword,  which,  is  most  to  be 
feared. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  325 

"  What  constitutes  a  State  ? 

Not  high-raised  battlements,  or  labored  mound, 
Thick  wall  or  moled  gate  ; 

Not  cities  proud,  with  spires  and  tunnels  crowned, 
Not  bays  and  broad-armed  ports, 

Where,  laughing  at  the  storm,  rich  navies  ride  ; 
Nor  starred  and  spangled  courts, 

Where  low-browed  baseness  wafts  perfume  to  pride. 

No.     Men,  high-minded  men, 

With  powers  as  far  above  dull  brutes  endued 
In  forest,  brake,  or  den, 

As  beasts  excel  cold  rocks  and  brambles  rude  — 
Men  who  their  duties  know, 

But  know  their  rights,  and,  knowing,  dare  maintain, 
Prevent  the  long-armed  blow, 

And  crush  the  tyrant  while  they  rend  the  chain, — 
These  constitute  a  State." 

It  is  as  clear  as  daylight  that  if  our  country,  in  her 
schools  and  among  her  people,  Avill  cultivate  the  military 
spirit  as  she  ought,  if  the  citizenship  of  the  several 
states  is  properly  enrolled  and  drilled,  and  if  the  timid, 
selfish  and  unchristian  cry  for  "  peace  at  any  cost"  is  no 
longer  heard  within  our  borders,  then,  so  far  as  war  with 
any  foreign  nation  on  earth  is  concerned,  we  have  noth 
ing  to  fear  and  the  day  of  our  peace  has  come.  In 
safety  our  republic  thus  prepared  could  dictate,  on  any 
righteous  measure,  terms  of  peace  to  the  whole  world. 

Have  we  forgotten  what  happened  even  when  the 
Federal  government  had  its  hands  full,  lighting  the  re 
bellion  ?  Secretary  Seward  at  that  critical  time  dared  to 
say  to  Napoleon  III,  you  would  better  withdraw  your 
troops  from  Mexican  soil  with  as  little  delay  as  pos- 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

sible.  And  Napoleon,  though  backed  by  the  entire 
French  empire,  by  Austria  arid  the  Vatican,  did  not  de 
lay  an  hour. 

When  we  said  to  the  British  Empire  the  other  day  that 
we  must  have  a  hand  in  settling  the  'Venezuelan  diffi 
culty,  our  demand  though  questionable,  was  granted 
with  as  great  dispatch  as  could  be  expected. 

The  way  for  our  nation  to  prevent  war  is  to  be  pre 
pared  for  it,  and  the  way  for  her  to  check  the  wrongs 
and  tyrannies  of  the  whole  world  is  to  be  courageous 
and  speak  out. 

If,  therefore,  in  view  of  what  has  been  said,  it  is  clear 
that  the  heroic  and  military  spirit  is  of  service  and  that 
it  should  not  be  allowed  to  slumber  as  it  did  in  our 
northern  states  during  the  years  preceding  the  late  war  ; 
if  it  is  clear  that  our  nation  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth  has  a  larger  mission  than  as  yet  has  been  claimed 
for  her  ;  and  if  it  is  true  that  the  day  of  universal  peace 
has  not  yet  dawned,  then  we  may  offer  a  single  additional 
plea,  namely,  that  military  weapons  must  not  be  left 
exclusively  in  the  hands  of  what  are  called  government 
and  mercenary  troops,  but  also  and  largely  should  be  in 
the  hands  of  an  organized  and  disciplined  state  militia. 

tb It  is  certain,"  said  Madison,  ''that  liberty  cannot 
be  safe  with  powerful  standing  armies,  and  that,  with 
out  an  effective  militia,  the  danger  of  such  armies  can 
not  be  precluded."  The  history  and  fate  of  the  repub 
lics  of  Greece  and  Kome,  of  Genoa  and  Venice,  are  a 
standing  warning  against  the  transfer  of  the  sword  from 
the  militia  to  a  mercenary  soldiery. 


]STEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  327 

We  do  not  say  that  what  is  termed  the  "  regular  army," 
in  a  nation  of  considerable  magnitude  like  ours,  is  use 
less.  Often  it  is  serviceable  in  the  exercise  of  the  bal 
ance  of  power  in  sudden  emergencies.  It  is  available, 
as  a  sort  of  moveable  police  force,  in  presenting  a  speedy 
check  to  slight,  local  uprisings  and  it  everywhere  in 
spires  respect,  being  the  representative  of  the  national 
government. 

But  what  we  insist  on  is  that  in  the  midst  of  great 
perils  the  state  militia  is  the  surest  bulwark  of  a  nation's 
rights.  "It  is  the  wall,  behind  which  a  free  people 
may  pursue  their  honest  toil  unharmed."  It  was  the  state 
militia  of  JNTew  England  under  the  old  Provincial  Hag  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  which  made  the  Indian  tremble  as 
"he  saw  them  pass  along  in  martial  order."  It  was  the 
state  militia  of  New  England  which  stood  the  first  shock 
of  the  Revolutionary  war  in  1775.  It  was  the  state 
militia  of  JNTew  Hampshire  that  protected  its  legislature 
during  the  disturbances  and  disaffections  in  178:2.  It 
was  the  state  militia  of  Massachusetts  that  quelled  the 
Shay's  insurrection  in  1786.  It  was  the  state  militia  of 
Pennsylvania  which  enforced  the  law  and  maintained 
order  during  the  insurrections  of  1794-' 98. 

During  the  war  of  1812  when  the  enemy  was  hovering 
along  our  coast  and  the  national  forces  Avere  withdrawn, 
they  were  the  organized  and  officered  New  England 
militia  companies  which,  with  twenty-four  hours'  notice, 
garrisoned  and  protected  all  our  posts  and  seaboard 
cities.  It  was  the  state  militia  that  in  several  different 
commonwealths  quelled  the  riots  of  1877. 


328  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

And  in  1801,  when  our  country's  capital  was  besieged, 
when  our  national  archives  wrere  threatened,  when  our 
way  to  Washington  was  blocked  in  the  streets  of  Balti 
more,  the  first  troops  that  fought  their  way  to  the  protec 
tion  and  rescue  of  the  city  of  Washington  were  the  state 
militia  of  Massachusetts. 

These  instances  are  convincing  illustrations  of  the 
efficiency  and  necessity  of  the  sword  in  the  hands  of  a 
state  militia  under  state  orders. 

Our  conviction  is,  therefore,  that  every  boy  of  twelve 
or  fifteen  years  of  age  in  the  state  of  New  Hampshire 
should  learn  to  go  through  the  manual  of  arms.  And 
it  would  be  a  health  giving  and  heroic  discipline  if  all  our 
boys  were  taught  to  draw  and  poise  the  sword  on  horse 
back  and  to  ram  the  cartridge  in  a  held  piece  of  any 
calibre. 

Every  large  public  school  in  our  state  like  the  schools  of 
Germany,  should  have  its  military  battalion  and  its 
drill-master  in  military  science.  Our  public  schools 
should  be  called  together  and  dismissed,  not  with  the 
bell,  but  with  the  drum  and  fife. 

And  no  argument  is  needed  to  show  that  if  the  youth 
of  our  land  had  been  thus  properly  schooled  and  drilled 
prior  to  1801  the  Confederacy  never  would  have  reached 
the  magnitude  it  assumed,  and  we  should  not  have  been 
called  upon  to  write  this  history  of  the  Sixteenth  Regi 
ment  of  New  Hampshire  Volunteers. 


ROSTER  OF  OUR  DEAD  AND  LIVING  COMRADES, 

AND 

PERSONAL  SKETCHES, 
SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT   NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS. 


WITHOUT  hesitation  and  without  any  immodesty 
or  impropriety  the  historian  may  say  that  no 
volunteer  regiment  has  a  more  complete  roster 
than  ours.  But  the  credit  of  it  belongs  in  scarcely  any 
measure  to  the  historian,  but  first  of  all  to  Adjutant- 
(jeneral  A.  I).  Ayling. 

The  historian  may  be  allowed  also  to  say  that  he  has 
examined  many  war  reports,  but  in  the  matter  of  full 
ness,  in  evidences  of  untiring  research  and  in  downright 
faithfulness  General  Ayling' s  Revised  Register  of  the 
Soldiers  and  Sailors  of  18()1-'60,  surpasses  all  other 
registers  and  reports  that  we  have  examined.  His 
register  we  hereby  acknowledge  has  been  of  inestimable 
service  in  completing  our  work. 

To  the  untiring  labors  of  Comrade  Henry  L.  Johnson, 


332  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

the  historian  also  is  indebted.  Indeed  he  is  indebted  to 
such  extent  that  lie  may  almost  say  that  the  roster  and 
sketches  are  not  his  work  at  all,  but  literally  is  that 
of  Comrade  Johnson. 

As  several  of  our  regiment  may  know,  Comrade  John 
son  has  spent  much  of  his  time  during  the  past  three 
years  in  correcting  former  records  and  in  searching  for 
the  unreported  members  of  our  regiment.  In  some 
instances  his  labors  have  been  like  those  of  a  detective 
after  fugitives. 

Since  entering  upon  this  work  he  has  sent  out  more 
than  four  thousand  circulars  and  letters,  sparing  him 
self,  in  other  respects,  neither  labor  nor  expense.  At 
times,  he  has  wrought  in  the  Avork  as  if  under  an  inspira 
tion  and  the  result  is  a  perfect  roster  so  far  as  a  work  of 
the  kind  can  l)t?  perfect. 

Tn  the  highest  degree  our  earnest  and  laborious  presi 
dent  of  the  association,  Henry  L.  Johnson,  is,  therefore, 
deserving  of  the  congratulations  and  gratitude  of  every 
person  interested  in  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire 
Regiment. 

The  materials  for  the  following  sketches  in  the  main 
have  been  obtained  from  the  surviving  members,  from 
the  kindred  and  friends  of  those  who  are  deceased,  from 
the  roster  compiled  in  1896  by  Comrade  Johnson,  and 
from  personal  recollections. 

That  (nits  and  sketches  of  every  member  of  the  regi 
ment  do  not  appeal'  in  the  roster  is  a  regret  to  us  but 
certainly  is  no  fault  of  ours  as  will  be  seen  from  the  fol 
lowing  communications  sent  to  the  nearest  living  kin- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  333 

drecl  of  our  dead  comrades  and  to  all  comrades  known 
to  be  living. 

Early  in  the  year  1890,  a  circular  was  sent  to  every 
person  supposed  to  Lave  a  personal  interest  in  our  regi 
ment,  containing  the  following  announcement : — 

"A  history  of  the  personal  and  military  service  of  our 
regiment  is  being  written.  It  is  desired  that  the  work 
shall  have  the  likenesses  and  life  sketches  of  all  now 
living  who  desire  it,  and  of  those  of  our  honored  dead 
whose  friends  or  kindred  will  provide  the  material  and 
means  to  accomplish  it.  It  will  be  necessary  for  us  to  be 
provided  with  a  photograph  and  sketch,  subject  to  revi 
sion  by  the  author.  The  cost  of  each  cut  and  insertion 
will  be  three  dollars.  Those  comrades  who  paid  for  cuts 
for  the  roster  can  have  them  used  with  personal  history 
for  one  dollar  each.  Each  comrade  is  earnestly  re 
quested  to  make  this  matter  known  to  the  friends  and 
kindred  of  deceased  comrades  that  they  may  avail  them 
selves  of  this  opportunity  to  have  the  pictures  and  life- 
sketches  of  their  loved  ones  in  a  work  of  history  that 
will  be  an  enduring  monument  to  their  patriotism." 

A  year  later  the  following  circular  was  likewise  sent 
to  all  living  comrades  and  to  the  friends  of  those  who 
are  deceased  :  — 

WASHINGTON,   D.  C.,  January  i,   1897. 
DEAR  COMRADE  : 

Excepting  some  work  on  the  revision,  the  history  of  our  regi 
ment  is  now  completed.  It  is  first  to  be  published  in  The  (tranitc 
Monthly,  Concord,  N.  H.  Will  you  favor  the  author  by  sending 
to  him  any  matters  of  personal  interest  relating  to  our  army  life 
that  you  may  like  to  have  introduced  in'o  the  history  when  issue- 1 


334  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

in  book  form  ;  al<o  a  photograph  of  yourself  if  one  is  not  already 
in  our  possession.  We  will  have  a  cut  made  from  the  photograph 
for  use  in  the  history  if  j'ou  will  bear  the  expense  of  having  it 
made  and  the  expense  of  setting  up  a  personal  sketch  of  your  life, 
which  will  be  about  three  dollars,  two  for  the  plate  and  one  for 
the  sketch.  In  case  of  those  whose  plates  already  are  in  the  hands  of 
the  association,  there  will  be  the  charge  of  one  dollar  only  for  the 
sketch.  All  subject-matter  of  this  class  should  be  in  the  hands 
of  the  historian  on  or  before  March  I,  1897. 

If  while  reading  the  history  as  published  in  Tlic  Granite  Monthly 

any  mistakes  are  noticed,  or  if  any  matters  of  interest  have  been 

omitted  that  occur  to  the  mind  you  will  please  notify  the  historian. 

This  class  of  subject-matter  will  be  received  as  late  as  June  i,  1897. 

Yours  in  F.    C.   and  L,., 

L,UTIIER    T.    TOWNSKNI),  HENRY    L.    JOHNSON, 

Regimental  Historian.  President  Association. 


REGIMENTAL    AND    STAFF   OFFICERS. 


Co/one/  Barnes  ZT^t/cc. 

Colonel  Jumes  Pike,  was  born  in  Salisbury,  Muss., 
November  10,  1818,  and  was  the  son  of  Caleb  and 
Mary  Pike.  Early  in  life  lie  became  a  pupil  in  the  once 
flourishing  academy  at  Newfields,  N.  TT.,  then  under  the 
patronage  of  New  England  Methodists,  but  afterward 
was  removed  to  AYilbraham,  Mass.,  where  it  is  still  in 
successful  operation. 

His  collegiate  education  was  obtained  at  the  Wesleyan 
University,  Middletown,  Conn.  That  institution  in  1878, 
conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity. 
In  1841  at  Portsmouth,  N.  II.,  he  was  licensed  to  preach, 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

joining  the  New  Hampshire  Conference.  He  was 
ordained  deacon  in  1843  and  elder  in  1845.  His  fields  of 
ministerial  labor  were  Hook  sett,  N.  II.,  1841-' 42  ;  Pem 
broke,  N.  H.,  1843-44;  Nashua,  N.  H.,  1845-' 40  ;  New 
market,  1847-' 48;  Lawrence,  Mass.,  1849;  Great  Falls, 
N.  IT.,  1850-' fill,  and  Haverhill,  Mass.,  1852.  He  was 
presiding  elder  of  Dover  District,  1853-' 54.  lie  preached 
at  Fisherville  N.  II.,  1859.  He  was  presiding  elder  of 
Concord  District,  I860-' 02.  He  supplied  Walnut  Street, 
Chelsea,  Mass.,  during  the  Winter  of  1863.  He  was 
agent  for  the  New  Hampshire  Conference  Seminary, 
1864,  and  preached  at  Portsmouth,  1805-' GO.  He  was 
presiding  elder  of  Dover  District,  1807-' 70,  and  of  Clare- 
mont  District,  1871-' 72.  He  preached  at  Manchester, 
N.  II.,  St.  Paul's,  1873-' 74.  He  was  presiding  elder  of 
Concord  District,  1875-' 70,  and  of  Dover  District,  1877- 
'80.  He  held  a  supernumerary  relation,  1881  ;  preached 
in  Bristol,  N.  H.,  1882-'83  ;  was  supernumerary  in  1884, 
and  preached  in  Epping,  N.  H.,  1885. 

In  the  latter  pastorate  he  closed  his  active,  long  and 
useful  ministry,  with  which  he  permitted  his  congres 
sional  and  military  service  but  slightly  to  interfere.  He 
was  elected  to  represent  the  first  New  Hampshire  district 
in  the  memorable  thirty-fourth  Congress,  and  was  re- 
elected  to  the  thirty-fifth  Congress. 

He  enlisted  October  28,  186:2,  as  a  private  and  was 
commissioned  colonel  November  1,  1862,  and  served  until 
mustered  out  with  the  regiment. 

In  1871,  Colonel  Pike  was  the  Republican  candidate 
for  Governor  of  New  Hampshire,  receiving  33,892  votes 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  337 

against  34,700  cast  for  James  A.  Weston  the  Democratic 
nominee,  and  1,137  for  the  other  candidates.  There  be 
ing  no  election  by  popular  vote,  the  legislature  elected 
James  A.  Weston,  Governor. 

Colonel  Pike  died  at  Newfields,  N.  1L,  July  20,  189;),  age 
seventy-seven  years.  His  mortal  remains  were  followed 
to  their  last  resting  place  by  some  who  had  served  under 
him,  and  in  that  service  had  learned  that  there  is  more 
in  military  service  than  the  gratification  of  a  vain  ambi 
tion,  oi'  the  cultivation  of  a  violent  spirit. 

Colonel  Pike  was  educated  for  the  ministry,  and  while 
not  an  ideal  military  man,  was  just  and  humane,  apply 
ing  the  principles  of  his  religion  to  all  his  acts.  Those 
who  were  the  recipients  of  his  oft-bestowed  personal 
attentions,  remember  him  as  a  kind,  just  and  loving- 
regimental  commander. 


HISTORY   OF  THE  SIXTEENTH 


o£i'cutenat- Co/one/  Jfcnrj/   Z^.     J'uJ/er. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Henry  W.  Fuller,  was  born  in 
Hooksett,  N.  H.,  July  30,  1839,  and  was  the  son  of  David 
Gordon  Fuller  and  Jane  Converse  Puller.  He  fitted  for 
college  in  Pembroke  Academy,  N.  II. 

His  subsequent  career  is  so  well  set  forth  in  the  tribute 
paid  him  by  the  Loyal  Legion,  Massachusetts  Com- 
mandery,  that  we  introduce  it  in  full  :— 

"  AVhereas,  by  dispensation  of  that  supreme  power 
which  creates  and  upholds  the  universe  and  is  sovereign 
over  every  human  life,  directing  its  course  and  ordaining 
its  close,  over  companion  and  comrade,  General  Henry 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOL  TXTEERS. 

YV.  Fuller  has  been  taken  from  us  to  return  no  more,  we, 
his  companions  of  the  Loyal  Legion,  proud  of  his  brave 
and  honorable  life,  rejoicing  in  his  good  fame,  and  sorrow 
ing  most  of  all  that  we  shall  see  his  face  no  more,  hereby 
express  our  deep  sense  of  personal  bereavement  in  his 
death,  our  high  appreciation  of  his  chivalrous  and  noble 
nature,  and  our  just  pride  in  his  career,  which,  though, 
finished  ere  it  touched  the  meridian,  might  well  be  the 
envy  of  three  score  years  and  ten. 

'k  The  simplest  and  briefest  summary  of  General 
Fullers  life,  is,  in  itself  a  eulogy  and  nothing  more  is 
needed  to  satisfy  the  warmest  friendship,  lie  graduated 
from  Dartmouth  College  in  18f>7,  the  youngest  member  of 
his  class.  Immediately  upon  leaving  college  he  entered 
upon  the  study  of  the  law  at  the  Harvard  law  school  and 
graduated  from  that  institution  in  1859  with  the  highest 
honors,  winning  the  first  prize  in  the  competition  of 
essays  presented  for  examination.  He  subsequently 
read  law  in  the  office  of  the  late  Hon.  A.  S.  Marshall, 
Concord,  N.  H. 

tl  Then  came  the  Civil  War.  He  forthwith  enlisted  as 
a  private  on  April  29,  1801,  and  was  rapidly  and  success 
ively  promoted  first  lieutenant  in  the  first,  captain  in  the 
fifth,  major  and  then  lieutenant-colonel  in  the  Sixteenth 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers.  Later  on,  November  23, 
1808,  he  was  made  colonel  of  the  Seventy-Fifth  United 
States  Colored  Infantry  and  finally,  March  13,  180;"),  was 
promoted  brevet  brigadier-general  of  United  States  Vol 
unteers.  He  served  through  the  war.  lie  was  a  true 
soldier.  The  Legion  will  proudly  remember  and  trans- 


1340  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

nrit  the  record.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  became  a  citi 
zen  of  Louisiana  and  engaged  in  cotton  planting.  He 
soon  grew  very  popular  with  the  best  people  of  the  com 
munity  in  which  lie  lived  and  was  unanimously  selected 
to  represent  them  in  the  Constitutional  Convention  at  New 
Orleans  to  frame  a  constitution  for  the  state. 

"lie  was  one  of  the  principal  figures  in  that  Conven 
tion  and  had  he  chosen  to  remain  in  Louisiana  there  can  be 
no  ([iiestion  that  higher  honors  would  have  sought  his 
acceptance.  But  in  1807,  he  returned  to  Massachusetts, 
to  Roxbury,  to  resume  the  practice  of  the  law.  He 
soon  acquired  and  held  a  constantly  increasing  clientage; 
troops  of  friends  thronged  around  him  eager  to  do  him 
service;  public  official  honors  were  pressed  upon  him. 

"  He  was  elected  for  one  year  to  the  Common  Council  of 
Boston  and  declined  a  re-election.  He  served  the  State 
for  four  years  in  the  House  of  Representatives  and  two 
in  the  Senate. 

"In  each  of  these  positions  he  naturally  and  easily  took 
a  leader's  part.  He  served  with  distinction  upon  the 
most  important  committees,  notably  the  judiciary,  and 
was  conspicuous  in  all  the  important  debates  of  House 
and  Senate. 

"The  last  honor  winch  it  gralilird  his  friends  so  much 
to  sco  conferred  upon  him,  was  his  appointment  as  Judge 
of  the  Municipal  Court  of  Roxbury.  All  who  knew  him 
felt  thai  in  Ihis  new  sphere  of  professional  service,  he 
would  develop  and  demonstrate  powers  and  acquirements 
that  would  load  to  higher  promotions  in  wider  tields  of 
judicial  and  legislative  duty. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  341 

44  But  it  was  not  to  be.  He  had  just  assumed  the  duties 
of  his  new  office  when  death  called  him  and  closed  the 
record.  To  the  eye  of  grief  and  friendship  and  desolated 
love  it  seems  an  unfinished  record,  prematurely  ended. 
But  what  is  written  is  well  written  and  needs  no  revision. 
No  line  or  word  to  be  erased  or  forgotten  but  all  fair  and 
noble,  worthy  of  the  light  of  day  and  of  everlasting 
remembrance.  The  Legion  will  enter  upon  its  archives 
this  truthful  transcript  of  an  honorable  and  patriotic 
life  and  cherish  it  as  one  of  its  treasures. 

t4  It  also  begs  to  present  to  the  family  of  our  deceased 
brother  this  sincere  tribute  of  love  and  honor  to  his 
memory/1 

We  may  add  that  he  was  a  strict  disciplinarian,  a 
remarkably  cool  headed  officer,  a  patriotic  and  cour 
ageous  soldier  who  never  shrank  from  the  performance 
of  his  whole  duty  at  any  time  or  in  any  place. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


'TTfay'or   Samuel    ^Davi's. 

Major  Samuel  Davis,  was  born  in  Bradford,  N.  11. , 
March  7,  1828.  His  early  education  was  obtained  in 
the  schools  of  his  native  town,  and  at  the  academy  at 
Hancock,  N.  II.  In  1840  he  entered  the  military  academy 
at  West  Point,  where  he  took  the  full  live  year  course. 
The  last  fourteen  months  of  that  time  he  was  with  the 
North  Pacific  Railroad  Exploration  Survey,  under  Gen 
era  1  Isaac  1.  Stevens. 

Major  Davis  was  connected  with  the  Scientific  Corps 
and  had  charge  of  the  barometrical  Survey  and  Meteoro 
logical  Department  for  somefifteen  hundred  miles  to  the 


1ST  E  W    1 1 A  M  I '  S 1 1 1  1 1 E    V  O  L I T  N  T  E  E  K  S .  34  3 

Dalles  of  the  Columbia.  The  route  lay  through  the 
lands  of  some  twenty  different  Indian  tribes  and  the 
experiences  of  the  expedition  were  romantic  and  advent 
urous. 

Returning  to  ]NTew  Hampshire,  Major  Davis  entered 
14)011  the  study  of  the  law,  in  the  office  of  the  late  lion. 
Herman  Foster,  of  Manchester,  and  was  admitted 
to  the  Bar  in  February,  1868.  lie  opened  an  office  in 
Eniield  Center,  IST.  II.,  where  lie  practiced  until  I860, 
and  then  he  removed  to  AYarner.  Since  that  time  he 
has  been  a  resident  of  that  town. 

AVhen  the  Civil  AVar  broke  out,  Major  Davis  was  in 
the  active  practice  of  his  profession  and  with  a  young 
and  promising  family.  lie  left  all  at  the  call  of  his 
country,  upon  the  formation  of  the  Sixteenth  Regiment 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers.  He  enlisted  as  a  private 
and  was  elected  captain  of  Company  II,  but  before  the 
regiment,  left  the  state  he  was  commissioned  major,  in 
which  capacity  he  served  until  the  regiment  was 
mustered  out. 

Major  Davis  was  on  board  the  Steamer  Arizona  at  the 
attack  on  Fort  Burton,  at  the  evacuation  of  which  place 
he  received  an  injury,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  never 
has  fully  recovered.  After  his  regiment  was  mustered 
out,  Major  Davis  spent  a  few  months  at  home  with  his 
family  then  returned  to  Washington,  and  passed  an 
examination  before  General  Casey's  board  and  received 
a  provisional  commission  as  major,  but  was  never  given 
a  command. 

In  I860  he  was  elected  a   member  of  the  New  Ilamp- 


344  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

shire  legislature  from  Warner  and  was  re-elected  in  1867. 
While  a  ID  ember  of  the  legislature  he  served  on  the 
Judiciary  Committee  and  was  active  and  influential  in 
shaping-  legislation.  He  is  said  to  have  been  the  first 
Democrat  in  the  state  to  make  a  speech  in  the  Legis 
lature  in  favor  of  the  so-called  Floage  Act,  which  was 
adopted  largely  through  his  influence. 

Major  Davis  has  always  been  active  in  furthering  the 
interests  of  his  adopted  town,  and  has  served  his  fellow 
citizens  in  almost  every  capacity,  lie  was  a  member  of 
the  school  board  for  more  than  twenty  years,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  superintendent  of  the  Simonds'  High 
School.  lie  was  one  of  the  original  trustees  of  the 
Pillsbury  Free  Library  and  is  at  present  president  of 
the  board.  Some  four  years  ago  he  gave  up  the  active 
practice  of  law,  but  is  often  called  upon  to  give  advice 
in  leu;al  matters. 


NK\V     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


' 


Adjutant  Luther  T.  Townscnd,  D.  D.,  historian  ol' 
the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  New  Hampshire  Volunteers, 
was  born  in  Orono,  Penobscot  county,  Maine,  September 
27,  18)j8.  His  early  education  was  received  in  the  public 
schools  of  Bristol,  Manchester,  Franklin,  and  Lake 
Village,  New  Hampshire.  By  the  death  of  his  father 
he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  and  at  the  age 
of  twelve  found  employment  on  a  railroad.  Four  years 
later  he  was  engaged  as  a  iireman  on  a  locomotive,  and 
while  at  that  work  he  determined  to  obtain  an  education. 
lie  fitted  for  college  at  the  New  Hampshire  Conference 


346  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT. 

Seminary,  Til  ton,  N.  H.,  and  entered  Dartmouth  Col 
lege  in  1855,  where  he  supported  himself  by  teaching 
during  vacations,  graduating  with  honor  in  1859,  being 
a  member  of  the  Phi  Beta  Kappa  society. 

From  Dartmouth  he  went  to  the  Andover  Theological 
Seminary,  and  finished  a  three  years'  course  in  1862. 
From  Andover  Theological  Seminary  he  enlisted  as  a 
private  in  the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  was  commissioned 
adjutant,  and  served  until  mustered  out  with  the  regi 
ment. 

He  was  not  off  duty  a  day  during  the  entire  campaign 
and  was  with  the  regiment  in  every  move  it  made.  He 
declined  a  proffered  colonelcy  just  before  leaving  Louis 
iana,  the  reason  for  this  declination  was  that  he  felt  that 
the  war  was  nearly  over  and  that  he  ought  to  return  to  his 
professional  work.  He  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in 
1864,  and  in  1866  the  Wesleyan  University  conferred 
the  degree  of  A.  M.,  and  Dartmouth  honored  him  with 
the  degree  of  I).  I).,  in  1871.  When  the  Concord  Theo 
logical  School  was  removed  to  Boston  in  1868,  he  was 
chosen  to  till  the  chairs  of  the  Hebrew  and  Greek  lan 
guages.  In  1870  he  was,  at  his  own  request,  transferred  to 
t  lie  chair  of  historic  theology,  and  in  1872  to  that  of  sacred 
rhetoric.  He  was  appointed  delegate  to  the  Ecumenical 
M.  E.  Conference,  London,  England,  in  1881,  and  the 
dean  of  the  Chatauqua  School  of  Theology  1882-"85. 
He  is  the  author  of  twenty-five  hooks  and  treatises, 
among  them  being  "Credo,"  "Sword  and  Garment," 
"Lost  Forever,"  '<  The  Arena  and  the  Throne,"  "Fate 
of  Republics."  etc.,  etc.  He  has  been  editorially  con- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  347 

nected  with  various  daily,  weekly  and  monthly  publica 
tions.  After  completing  twenty-live  years  as  professor 
in  Boston  University,  he  resigned  in  1893 for  the  purpose 
of  pursuing-  literary  work,  in  connection  with  which  he 
has  been  pastor  ot  the  Mount  Vernon  Place  Church  in 
Baltimore,  Md.  His  residence  at  present  is  Washington 
i).  C.,  where  he  is  associate  pastor  of  Metropolitan  M . 
E.  Church  giving  most  of  his  time  however  at  present 
(18(J7)  to  literary  work.  "Evolution  or  Creation," 
"The  story  of  Jonah  in  the  Light  of  Higher  Criticism," 
and  this  regimental  history,  are  the  work  of  the  past 
year. 


H48 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


C/ia/f/a/ 


9//. 


Chaplain  Rev.  Ralza  M.  Mauley  was  born,  Jan 
uary  10,  182:2,  in  Dorset,  Bennington  (Bounty,  Vt. 
lie  litted  for  college  at  Troy  Conference  Academy, 
Poult.ney,  Vt.,  and  graduated  from  AVesleyan  Univer 
sity,  1848.  lie  was  principal  of  ({ramma!1  School  in 
'Randolph,  Vt.,  from  1848-'  T)2.  He  was  editor  of  the  Ver- 
))io)i  (  (•hrisfhiii.  M'cxfi<jn,y<'T,  18,")^-'  AT,  and  teacher  of  Nat 
ural  Science  and  Latin  in  Newbury  Seminary,  1857-',  58. 
He  was  principal  of  Troy  (Conference  Academy,  1858-<I0(), 
and  principal  of  New  ITani])shire  Conference  Seminary, 
18(JO-I>()^,  lie  was  chaplain  of  the  Sixteenth  New  Hamp- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  340 

shire  Volunteers,  1802-' 08,  and  chaplain  of  First  United 
States  Colored  Cavalry  from  January,  1864,  to  end  of 
the  War.  May,  1805,  lie  was  appointed  by  the  AYar 
Department  superintendent  of  schools  for  the  State  of 
Virginia,  in  the  Freedmen's  Bureau  and  served  in  that 
capacity  five  years  until  the  dissolution  of  the  Bureau  in 
1870.  In  1807,  he  founded  the  "Richmond,  ATa.,  Normal 
School  for  colored  youth  and  had  charge  of  the  same 
until  1884.  During  most  of  that  period  he  was  a  mem 
ber  of  the  boa  I'd  of  aldermen  of  Richmond,  and  also  of 
the  city  board  of  education.  He  was  influential  in 
shaping  the  public  school  system  of  that  city  and  of  the 
State  of  Virginia.  In  all,  he  gave  twenty  years  to 
education  in  the  south. 

Tn  !88f>,  he  was  instructor  in  \Vellesley  College,  AYel- 
lesley.  Mass.  He  held  the  chair  of  Rhetoric  and  English 
Composition  and  remained  in  AYellesley  until  1892,  when, 
on  account  of  impaired  health,  he  resigned  and  sought 
recuperation  in  Northern  Georgia.  The  experiment  was 
unsuccessful.  In  1895,  he  went  to  San  Diego,  California. 
There  he  regained  his  health  and  is  at  present  engaged 
in  educational  work,  as  a  member  of  the  board  of 
education  of  the  City  of  San  Diego,  llis  present  address 
is  035  Grant  Avenue,  San  Diego,  California. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


tZ)r. 


iSanborn, 


Dr.  Thoin<-is  Sanborn  was  born  in  Sanbornton,  N. 
II.,  September  20,  1811  ;  appointed  surgeon  of  the 
Sixteenth  Regiment  November  4,  1802;  resigned  June 
i:>,  1808.  lie  was  the  son  of  Christopher  Sanborn  and  a 
grandson  of  .Dr.  Benaiah  Sanborn,  a.n  eminent  physician 
lield  in  high  esteem  in  that  part  of  the  state,  and  a 
lineal  descendant  in  the  fifth  generation  of  Daniel  San 
born,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  town.  His  early  life 
was  passed  at  home  attending  the  district  school,  with 
an  occasional  term  at  the  village  academy.  At  the  age 
of  sixteen  he  was  bereft  of  his  father,  whose  life  wj\s  lost 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLTNTEERS.  351 

by  drowning,  but  he  remained  with  his  mother  upon  the 
farm  four  or  five  years,  assuming  its  labors  and  aiding  in 
providing  for  the  family. 

Early  in  life  he  turned  his  thoughts  to  medicine,  the 
profession  of  his  grandsire.  who  had  often  expressed  the 
wish  that  one  of  his  grandsons  might  choose  for  his  life- 
work  his  own  calling,  and  in  the  Spring  of  1838,  he 
entered  the  office  of  Dr.  Thomas  P.  Hill,  with  whom  he 
studied  three  months,  and  attended  a  course  of  lectures 
at  Brunswick,  Me.  The  succeeding  five  or  six  years  were 
devoted  to  other  affairs  ;  but  in  1839,  lie  resumed  his 
medical  studies  under  the  direction  of  his  brother-in-law 
Dr.  W.  H.  Hosmer  of  New  London  (now  of  Penacook), 
with  whom  he  remained  two  years,  in  the  meantime 
attending  two  courses  of  lectures  at  the  Dartmouth 
Medical  College.  He  was  subsequently,  for  some  time 
under  the  patronage  and  instruction  of  Dr.  Gilman  Kim- 
ball  of  Lowell,  Mass.  He  received  his  medical  degree 
from  Dartmouth  in  1841,  and  commenced  practice  in 
Goshen,  where  he  remained  until  August,  1843,  when  he 
moved  to  Newport.  After  locating  in  this  town  Dr.  San- 
born  availed  himself  of  lectures  and  hospital  practice  at 
the  Bellvue  Medical  Institution  in  New  York  City.  A 
successful  understanding  and  management  of  the  cases 
that  came  under  his  care  and  his  conspicuous  skill  as  a 
surgeon  in  due  time  won  for  him  an  extended  and  profit 
able  patronage  and  a  wide  celebrity.  In  view  of  greater 
proficiency  in  many  of  the  details  of  his  professional 
work,  Dr.  Sanborn,  in  1853,  crossed  the  Atlantic  and 
traveled  extensively  in  England,  Scotland,  France  arid 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Belgium.  Visiting  their  medical  schools,  hospitals  and 
museums,  returning  to  his  home  and  friends  in  Newport 
with  an  increased  intelligence,  professionally  for  the 
benefit  of  his  patrons  and  that  enlarged  view  of  men  and 
thought  derived  from  foreign  travel. 

Aside  from  his  professional  standing,  he  was  a  public- 
spirited  and  leading  citizen  of  the  town  which  he  twice 
represented — 1857-^58 — in  the  state  legislature.  Dr. 
Sanborn  took  a  decided  stand  in  favor  of  the  Union  of 
States,  and  manifested  his  patriotism  in  deeds,  as  well  as 
words.  In  1808,  he  was  appointed  surgeon  of  the  Six 
teenth  Regiment  New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  and  served 
with  distinction  in  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps  in  Louis 
iana.  After  his  return  he  was  appointed  United  States 
Army  Surgeon  of  this  military  department.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  New  Hampshire  Medical  Society,  the 
National  Medical  Association  and  the  Connecticut 
Medical  Society.  He  was  also  a  past  master  of  the  Mount 
Vernon  Lodge  of  Masons. 

Dr.  Sanborn,  married  November  14,  1844,  Harriet,  a 
daughter  of  Hon.  David  Allen  of  Newport,  N.  H.  Their 
children  were  Harriet  E.,  born  October  30,  1845,  died 
August  16,  1864.  Mary  J.,  born  March  16,  1847;  died 
January  20,  1875  ;  graduated  at  South  Hadley,  Mass.  ; 
(married  to  Rev.  George  Ide  of  Hopkinton,  Mass.  ; 
children,  Carrie  S.,  born  June  2,  1872;  Charles  K.,  born 
January  22,  1874.)  Thomas  B.,  born  July  1),  1852  ;  died 
JimettO,  181)4.  Christopher  Allen,  born  April  5,  1855;  mar 
ried  in  1885,  Mary  Bra  man  daughter  of  Hon.  Augustus 
Madge  of  Danvers,  Mass.  Kate  A.,  born  March  18,  1867. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  353 

Dr.  Sariborn  was  a  thorough  scholar,  a  man  of  the 
strictest  integrity  and  possessed  a  remarkably  kind  and 
genial  disposition.  He  sought  uo  place  or  preferment, 
the  place  and  preferment  sought  him.  His  great 
experience,  general  reading  and  good  judgment  made 
him  a  safe  practitioner  in  all  departments  of  his  pro 
fession,  and  a  wise  counselor  professionally  and  in 
general  affairs.  His  life  in  Newport  covered  a  period  of 
more  than  sixty  years.  His  death  occurred  July  23,  1875. 


I II S  T  ( )  II Y    OF    T 1 1  E    S I X  T  K  K  N  rr  1 1    II  K(  i  I  M  K  N  T 


J^sst. 


Cj/ 


First  Assistant   Surgeon   Cyrus  M.    Fisk    was    the 

eldest  son  of  Kphraim,  and  Margaret  Dow  Fisk,  and 
was  born  in  Chichester  N.  II.,  January  9,  182o. 
He  studied  medicine  in  Contoocook,  N.  II.,  with  the 
late  Charles  A.  Savory,  M.  D.,  and  took  his  degree  at 
Dartmouth  College  in  1847.  At  twenty-two  years  of  age 
he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession.  In  1848  lie 
married  Amanda  M.  Putnam,  and  removed  to  Bradford, 
X.  II.,  where  he  practiced  medicine  twenty-four  years. 
Here  his  fine  professional  skill  was  appreciated,  and  his 
high  personal  character  placed  him  among  the  leading 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  355 

men  of  the  town.  He  was  appointed  First  Assistant 
Surgeon  of  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  New  Hampshire 
Volunteers,  November  4,  1862,  and  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  Surgeon,  June  13,  1863.  He  was  mustered 
out  of  the  service  with  the  regiment,  August  20,  1863, 
returned  to  Bradford,  and  resumed  his  practice. 

In  1872  he  removed  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  where  he  formed 
a  partnership  with  his  early  instructor  Dr.  Savory  who 
had  located  in  Lowell,  several  years  earlier.  A  few 
years  later  Dr.  Savory  retired,  and  Dr.  Fisk  continued 
the  practice  alone,  until  the  summer  of  1894.  He  then 
returned  to  Bradford  and  to  the  scenes  of  his  early  suc 
cess,  to  pass  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  a  well-earned 
retirement.  He  directed  the  construction  and  decoration 
of  a  new  home,  and  had  occupied  it  but  a  short  time, 
when  his  long  anticipated  peaceful  rest  among  those  he 
loved,  was  terminated  by  death  from  apoplexy  on 
January  21,  1895.  The  seventieth  milestone  on  life's 
journey  was  celebrated  by  visits  and  loving  expressions 
from  kindred  and  friends  all  expecting  that  he  would  be 
permitted  to  enjoy  for  many  years,  the  new  home  and 
new  life  of  rest  so  happily  begun. 

While  residing  in  Lowell,  Mass.,  Dr.  Fisk's  superior 
professional  skill  was  recognized  by  preferment  in  the 
Massachusetts  Medical  Society,  Middlesex  North  Dis 
trict  Medical  Society,  and  as  a  member  of  the  Staff  of 
Saint  John's  Hospital,  and  Advisory  Physician  of  the 
Lowell  General  Hospital.  He  was  an  active  member 
of  Ladd  and  'Whitney  Post  No.  185,  Department  of 
Massachusetts  G-.  A.  R. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Second    Assistant    Surgeon    Sylvester    Campbell, 

son  of  Horace  and  Sally  Grant  Campbell,  was  born  in 
Ac-worth,  N.  H.,  February  9,  1884. 

He  had  his  home  at  different  times  in  Newport,  N.  TI., 
New  York  City,  and  Sanbornton  Bridge,  now  Tilton, 
N.  11.  He  fitted  for  college  at  New  London,  N.  IT., 
graduated  at  Dartmouth  and  at  the  New  York  University. 

He  was  appointed  second  assistant  surgeon  of  the 
Sixteenth  Regiment,  on  November  6,  1862,  and  died  at 
Carroll  ton,  La.,  February  6,  1863.  [See  page  66.] 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon  Hubert  Sleeper,  born  in 
Grantham  N.  H.  ;  appointed  March  18,  1863  ;  age,  28  ; 
taken  prisoner  June  28,  1863;  parolled  ;  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  KS63  ;  P.  O.  address  Meriden,  N.  H. 

Quartermaster  Albert  H.  Drown,  born,  Rehoboth, 
Mass.  ;  appointed  October  8,  1862  ;  age,  38  ;  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Newtonville, 
Mass. 

Sergeant- Major  Prank  B.  Modica  was  born  in 
Boston,  Mass.  ;  May  30.  1843  ;  he  left  Dartmouth  Col 
lege  and  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Sixteenth  Regiment 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  September  3,  1862.  He 
was  appointed  sergeant-major  November  22,  1862,  and 
second  lieutenant  of  Company  F,  March  18,  1863.  Was 
discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863.  After  he  had  suffi 
ciently  recovered  his  health  to  resume  his  studies  he 
returned  to  Dartmouth  College  graduating  in  the  class 
of  18(5;).  He  located  in  Chicago,  111.,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  business  until  1871,  when  he  went  to  South 
America.  He  constructed  the  Cauca  Valley  Railroad. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


<Scrffcant-77?aj'or  Jfirank  33.    J/fodica. 

Din-ing  his  stay  in  Popayan,  the  capital  of  the  state  of 
Cauca,  United  States  of  Colombia,  he  became  acquainted 
with  the  Senorita  Dellina  Fernandes  Diago,  whom  he 
afterwards  married  in  Bogota,  the  capital  city.  After 
marriage  Mi-,  and  Mrs.  Modica  returned  to  the  United 
States,  locating  in  Henniker,  N.  IT.  During  their  resi 
dence  in  Henniker,  Mr.  Modica  made  several  business 
trips  to  South  America.  Eleven  years  ago  he  returned 
to  Chicago,  where  they  now  reside.  They  have  five 
children,  Francis  B.,  Isabel,  Beatris,  Leonard  and  "Ralph. 
P.  O.  address  1442  Cornelia  Avenue,  Chicago,  111. 


358 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


Quartermaster- Sergeant  George  M.  Wilkins,  born, 
Heuniker,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  October  13,  18(52  ;  age,  29  ; 
appointed  second  lieutenant  of  Company  K  April  25, 
1803;  not  mustered  ;  died  August  20,  1863,  Bellei'on- 
taine,  Oliio. 

Commissary -Sergeant  David  D.  Smith,  born,  New 
York;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  1029  Walnut  street, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Hospital  Steward  Paul  S.  Adams,  born,  Berwick, 
Maine  ;  enlisted  September  3,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  discharged 
July  24,  1803;  died  October  21,  1880,  Newport,  N.  H. 

Sutler  E.  A.  Crawford;    P.  O.  address  Dover,  N.  H. 

BAND. 

(See  Company  Roster.  ) 

Director  Marcine  H.  Whitcomb,  Co.  C. 

Drum  Major  Edward  Nettleton,  Co.  H. 
Dexter  \V.  Allen,  Comp.  H.     Moses  Hoyt,  Comp.  F. 

Richard  W.  Allen,  ' 
Henry  W.  Badger,  ' 
Clinton  Bohonan,  ' 
Truman  C.  Cutting,  l 
Wm.R.  Diniond, 


Wm.  H.  Flanders, 
Nath'l  S.  (lardner, 
,).  \Vood  Hastings, 


I). 

H. 
C. 
E. 
E. 
D. 
G. 
C. 


Wm.  S.  Moses, 
Arthur  H.  Ingram,     " 
Freeman  W-  Nourse, u 
Wallace  L.  Reed, 
Alfred  D.  Stark, 
Charles  C.  Webber,   " 
Richard  A.  AYebber," 
Chas.  D.  \Vorcester,  tl 


A. 
B. 
F. 
I. 
A. 
E. 
B. 
F. 


Henry  E.  Young,  Co.  (I. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  A. 


Captain  £/e'as  >^.    fSm/t/i. 

Captain  filias  F.  Smith  was  ()orn  in  Plainiield,  N.  II., 
and  was  twenty-six  years  of  age  when  lie  \vas  commis 
sioned  captain  of  Company  A,  Sixteenth  Regiment.  He 
prepared  for  college  at  Kimball  Union  Academy  and  Xe\v 
London,  and  entered  Norwich  University.  AVhile  in  his 
fourth  year  at  that  institution  September  18,  1802,  he 
enlisted  serving  as  captain  of  (Company  A,  until  mustered 
out  August  20,  1868. 

He  raised  Company  B,  Eighteenth  Regiment  in  one 
week,  was  commissioned  its  captain  serving  until  the 


360  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

close  of  the  war.  Tie  lias  in  his  possession  a  commission 
as  colonel  of  the  Eighteenth  Regiment  but  was  not 
mustered. 

Captain  Smith  was  measurably  serving  the  country  in 
military  matters  from  the  beginning  of  the  war  until  its 
close,  lie  was  recruiting  officer  and  drill  master  for  one 
company  each,  of  the  Fifth,  Seventh,  Ninth  arid  Four 
teenth,  going  into  camp  with  each.  After  the  war  Cap 
tain  Smith  returned  to  Lebanon  where  he  was  largely 
engaged  in  real  estate  transactions,  and  still  owns  con 
siderable  property  there.  After  quite  extensive  travels, 
he  located,  in  Rochester,  N.  II.,  and  assumed  an  interest 
in  a  manufacturing  establishment,  afterwards  becoming- 
sole  proprietor.  Captain  Smith  was  loved  by  those  who 
served  with  him,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who 
know  him. 

First  Lieutenant  Bela  Sawyer,  born,  Orford,  N.  II.; 
enlisted  September  1,  1802;  age,  38;  appointed  first 
lieutenant,  November  4,  1862  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  ().  address  Lyme,  N.  II. 

Second  lieutenant  Charles  S.  Cooper,  born,  Barre, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September,  18(52;  age,  22;  appointed 
second  lieutenant,  November  4,  1862;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1868. 


NEW    TT  AM  PS  II  IKE    VOLUNTEERS. 


First  Sergeant  Lnman  P.  Brooks  was  born  in  Han 
over,  N.  II.,  November  2,  1880.  His  father  was  Jere 
miah  Brooks  and  of  Scotch  descent.  His  mother 
was  Oris  Miner,  of  English  descent,  and  in  direct 
line  from  Henry  Bullman,  who  armed  and  tendered 
to  King  Edward  III,  one  hundred  men  on  his  fourth  ex 
pedition  into  I^rance.  For  this  he  was  Knighted  and 
given  the  name  of  Sir  Henry  Miner,  with  a  coat-of-arms. 

At  the  age  of  eleven  our  comrade  found  himself  at 
Enheld,  N.  II., with  that  seclusive,  peculiar  and  intensely 
religions  people  known  as  the  Shakers  where  he  became 


362  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

disciplined  to  good  habits  and  was  taught  his  first  lessons 
in  theology. 

He  taught  the  District  school  there  for  six  years,  and 
at  the  age  of  twenty  cancelled  his  connection  with  the 
society  and  was  paid  for  his  nine  years  service  the  sum 
of  fifty  dollars.  For  three  years  following  he  was  con 
nected  with  several  railroads  in  Massachusetts,  sub 
sequently  making  his  home  in  Lebanon,  N.  II.,  where  he 
now  resides. 

On  the  call  for  troops  in  1802  he  was  instrumental  in 
rilling  the  quota  allotted  to  Lebanon,  and  was  mustered 
in  as  first  sergeant.  Following  the  fortunes  of  the  regi 
ment,  lie  participated  in  the  early  advance  on  Port  Hud 
son  and  was  in  that  malarial  death  trap  at  Butte  a  la, 
Rose.  He  was  present  July  2,  1862,  and  took  an 
active  part  in  the  fight  at  Springfield  Landing.  He  was 
one  of  several  men  who  claimed  the  exclusive  honor  of 
shooting  the  Confederate  officer,  Stone,  who  seemed  to  be 
killed  outright  "  but  who  afterwards  jumped  up  and 
ran  away." 

As  soon  as  discharged  from  the  Sixteenth  in  August, 
1863,  he  was  commissioned  captain  and  was  mustered  in 
to  the  Third  Regiment  Corps  de  Afrique  (later  Seventy- 
Fifth  United  States  Colored  Troops)  at  Port  Hudson,  La. 
He  was  in  the  lied  River  Campaign  and  returned  to 
Morgansia  Bend  in  the  summer  of  1804,  where  he  was 
commissioned  major  and  afterwards  had  charge  of  build 
ing  the  winter  quarters  inside  the  fort  at  that  place.  In 
the  summer  of  1805  his  regiment  protected  the  railroad 
from  New  Orleans  to  Brashear  City.  He  was  for  several 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  303 

weeks    on    courts    martial    at    Thibadeau,    Louisiana. 

Being  the  ranking  officer  present,  lie  was  in  command  of 
the  regiment  at  Milliken's  Bend  in  September,  180;"),  and 
at  other  places,  and  was  mustered  out  at  New  Orleans  with 
the  regiment  in  November.  Since  the  close  of  the  war, 
as  he  writes,  "  my  life  has  been  uneventful." 

Second  Sergeant  Fred.  B.  Palmer,  born,  Orford,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  15,  1802  ;  age,  35  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803  ;  died  May  14,  181)5,  Lyme,  N.  II. 

Third  Sergeant  Horace  B.  Wellman,  born,  Cornish. 
N.  I!.;  enlisted  August  30,  1802;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803  ;  P.  ().  address  333  Eighth  avenue,  JNVw 
York,  N.  Y. 


364  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


tSerffocint  Osca 


Fourth  Sergeant  Oscar  W.  Baldwin  was  born,  June 
f),  1840,  in  Jamaica,  Yt.  When  ten  years  of  age  his 
parents  moved  to  Chester,  Yt.  Young  Baldwin  entered 
Kimball  Union  Academy,  Meriden,  N.  H.,  September, 
1861,  with  the  intention  of  fitting  for  college.  While 
a  student  there  he  enlisted  September  10,  1862;  joined 
the  Sixteenth  and  was  with  it  in  all  its  service.  He  was 
appointed  fourth  sergeant  in  Company  A,  and  served 
in  that  capacity  until  mustered  out.  He  was  a  faithful 
and  brave  soldier,  perfectly  reliable  in  every  position 
assigned  him, 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

After  his  return  lie  resumed,  for  awhile  his  studies, 
but  found  that  his  health  had  been  too  much  shattered 
to  enter  successfully  at  that  time  upon  a  professional 
course  of  study.  He  has  been  engaged  in  a  profitable 
mercantile  business  for  about  twenty-five  years.  He  is 
at  present  chairman  of  the  board  of  selectmen  in  Leba 
non.  He  has  been  for  many  years  a  devoted  worker  in 
the  ({rand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  was  chairman  of 
the  building  committee  of  our  regiment,  through  whose 
labors  the  Sixteenth  now  has  free  from  debt  their  beau 
tifully  located  and  commodious  regimental  home  at  the 
k'  \Veirs,1'  New  Hampshire. 

In  acknowledgment  of  his  services  he  was  presented 
by  his  comrades,  at  one  of  their  annual  gatherings,  a 
solid  ebony,  gold-headed  cane. 


366  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


<Sere/cant  C/iar/cs  O.    <S<?avey. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Charles  C.  Setivey,  of  Company 
A,  was  born  in  Moores,  Clinton  County,  New  York, 
'February  10,  1831),  and  moved  to  Lebanon,  N.  II.,  in 
1856.  He  enlisted  April  24,  1861,  in  Company  K, 
First  Regiment,  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  and  served 
until  mustered  out  August  9,  1861.  He  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1862,  in  Company  A,  Sixteenth  Regiment  and 
was  appointed  fifth  sergeant.  He  served  with  Company 
A  until  discharged,  August  20,  1863.  He  married  Miss 
Nettie  L.  DeXYitt  of  Hanover,  N.  H.,  August  21),  1866, 
and  removed  to  his  native  state.  He  is  a  cabinet  maker 


iNEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  367 

by  trade  but  abandoned  it  because  of  ill  health.  He 
now  lives  on  a  farm  at  St.  Regis  Falls,  Franklin  County, 
New  York. 

First  Corporal  John  H.  Derby,  born,  Lyine,  N.  II., 
enlisted  September  If),  1802;  age,  30;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Lyme  Center,  N.  II. 

Second  Corporal  George  L.  Worthington,  born, 
Tecumseh,  Mich.  ;  enlisted  September  9,  1862;  age,  25; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Brooklyn, 
Mich. 

Third  Corporal  Ransom  Griggs,  born,  Rutland,  Vt.; 
enlisted  September  5,  1862  ;  age,  31  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863  ;  dead  ;  date  and  place  unknown. 

Fourth  Corporal  Daniel  C.  Dacey,  [spelled  Dasey  in 
Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Bandon,  Ireland;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
volunteered  in  u  storming  party  "  at  Port  Hudson,  La., 
under  General  Order  No.  49. 

Fifth  Corporal  Lewis  K.  Davison,  born,  Lyme,  N.H.; 
enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863;  died  November  12,  1895,  at  Perkins- 
ville,  Yt. 

Sixth  Corporal  Ransom  Brocklebank,  [Brottlebank 
on  muster-in  roster]  born,  Plainfield,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  18(>2  ;  age,  43;  died  June  14,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Seventh  Corporal  Edwin  Chandler,  born,  Lebanon, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  6,  1862;  age,  29;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Lebanon,  N.  II. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

Eighth  Corporal  Harvey  B.  Kimball,  born,  Leba 
non,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  2,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  ().  address  50  Moore  street, 
West  Somerville,  Mass. 

Musician  Benjamin  W.  Chapman,  born,  Plainfield, 
JNT.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  11,  1862;  age,  41  ;  died 
August  r>,  1803,  near  Vricksburg,  Miss. 

Musician  Alonzo  Stark,  born,  Ellswortli,  Me.;  enlisted 
October  27,  1802;  age,  27;  died  June  10,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Wagoner  George  H.  Emerson,  born,  Chelsea,  Yt.  ; 
enlisted  September  10,  1802;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803;  died  August  2o,  1880,  Concord  X.  II. 

PRIVATES. 

Charles  J.  Allen,  born,  Albany,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  If),  1802  ;  age,  23  ;  died  June  7,  1803,  at  ]Srew  Orleans, 
La. 

Charles  M.  Avery,  born,  Yershire,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1802  ;  age,  19  ;  transferred  from  Company  K, 
January  1,  1803;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53;  P.  O. 
address  Corinth,  Y  t. 

Charles  Baker,  born,  Morrisfown,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1802;  age,  30  ;  died  June  17,  1803,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Prancis  T^.  Baker,  born,  Lyme,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  IT).  1802  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  May  2."),  1882,  at  Lebanon,  N.  II. 

Orril  Barker,  born  Windsor,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  1,  1802;  age,  38;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
died  July  11,  18<)3,  at  Meriden,  N.  II. 


KE\V    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  369 

Samuel  E.  Barnard  [Bernard  in  Adj.  Gen's  report] 
born,  Barnard,  Yt.,  enlisted  September  10,  1802  ;  age,  23  ; 
mustered  out  August  20,  '18(58;  P.O.  address  Wind 
sor,  Yt. 

Elbridge  G.  Beers,  born  Hartland,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  9,  1802  ;  age,  34  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  Address  Meriden,  N.  II. 

Lewis  Biathrow,  Jr.,  born,  Bradford,  Yt.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  23;  died  June  5,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

George  P.  Chase,  born,  Lyme,  N.  IT.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  If),  1802;  age,  19  ;  discharged  January  10,  1803, 
New  Orleans,  La.  ;  died,  January  4,  1.8(54,  at  Lyme,  N.  H. 

Byron  O.  Cheney,  [Byron  Cheney  on  muster-in  roster] 
born,  Plainfield,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  11,  1802; 
age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  died  in  Wor 
cester,  Mass.,  date  not  known. 

George  W.  Clark,  born,  Lyme,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15.  1802  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Springfield,  N.  H. 

Benjamin  Cline,  born,  Lyme,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802;  age,  25;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Lyme,  N.  II. 

Freeman  J.  Converse,  born,  Lyme,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  died  December  28,  1803,  at  Lyme,  N.  II. 

Norman  D.  Comings,  born,  Cornish,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  29,  18(52  ;  age,  20  ;  died  August  14,  1803, 
Mound  City,  111. 


HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

Joseph  B.  Cutler,  born,  Plainfield,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  18,  1802;  age,  89;  died  June  21,  1803,  at 
New  Orleans,  La. 

Phylander  C.  Cutting,  born,  Lynie,  ]\T.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  18,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803.  Dead  ;  date  and  place  unknown. 

Charles  C.  Daniels,  born,  Plaintield,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1802  ;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Deer  Tsle,  Maine. 

George  W.  Ellis,  born,  P>randon,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1802  ;  nge,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
died,  December  2(5,  1878,  South  Adams,  Mass. 

Seneca  Ellis,  born  at  sea  ;  enlisted  September  2,  1802  ; 
age,  45  ;  musterd  out  August  20,  1803;  died.  August  20, 
1803,  at  Cornish,  N.  II. 

Charles  H.  Emerson,  born,  Chelsea,  Vt.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  West  Lebanon,  N.  H. 

George  W.  French,  born,  Plaintield,  JNT.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1802  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Meriden,  N.  H. 

Story  W.  Gates,  [Story  II.  Gates  in  Adj.  Gen's  re 
port]  born,  Lebanon,  ]NT.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  10,  1802; 
age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address 
Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Phineas  P.  Gilbert,  born,  Lyme,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1808;  died  August  21),  1808,  at  Lyme,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  371 

Asa  jP.  Gordon,  born,  Dorchester,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  18,  18(52;  age,  21 .  ;  died  May  25,  1808,  at 
Brasliear  City,  La. 

Truman  N.  Gray,  [Grey  in  Adj.  Gen's  report]  born, 
Sheffield,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  September  12,  1802;  age,  88; 
discharged  April  28,  1803,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Roswell  P.  Griffin,  ["Roswell  Griffin  in  Adj.  Gen's  re 
port]  born,  Lebanon.  N.  IT.  ;  enlisted  September  10, 
1802;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808;  P.  ()  ad 
dress  Fryebnrg,  Me. 

Alanson  Hartley,  born,  Columbia,  N.  IT.;  enlisted 
September  18,  1802  ;  age,  88  ;  transferred  from  Company 
K  January  1,  1808  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808  ;  died 
August  27,  1808.  Plainfield,  N.  H. 

Charles  Harrington,  born,  Plainfield,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  9,  1802  ;  age,  85  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1808  ;  died  June  0,  1897,  at  East  Plainneld,  N.  H. 

William  H.  Norton,  born,  Barnard,  Yt.  ;  enlisted 
September  5,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  P.  O.  address,  Piermont  N.  H. 

Edwin  R.  Houston,  born,  Bath,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802  ;  age,  81  ;  died  May  5,  1808,  at  Brasliear 
City,  La. 

John  L.  Howard,  born,  Orford,  N.  IT.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1808;  died  August  24,  1808,  at  Orford,  IST.  II. 

Hazen  K.  Hutchins,  born,  Andover,  Maine;  enlisted 
September  8,  1802;  age,  42;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  Q.  address  Hanover,  N.  H. 


372  I II  STORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     RKGIMENT 

Hazen  P.  Hutchins,  born,  Sutton,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  3,  1802  ;  a,(.';e,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1803  ;  died  January  28,  Ks07,  at  Ilauover,  N.  II. 

Jr#  A.  Johnson,  born,  Grantliam,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September!),  1802  ;  age,  89;  died  August  4,  1803,  near 
Yicksburg,  Miss. 

Jason  F.  Johnston,  born,  Lebanon,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1803;  P.  ().  address  East  Plainfield,  N.  II. 

John  S.  Jordan,  born,  Manchester,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  1),  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Plainlield,  N.  II. 

George  W.  Kelley,  born,  Newport,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  0,  1802;  age,  27;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Lebanon,  N.  II. 

John  M.  Kelley ',  born,  Rumney,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  IT),  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Henry  Leavitt,  born,  Cornish,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1802  ;  age.  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Aver,  Mass. 

Thomas  Manchester,  born,  Charleston,  Yt.  ;  enlisted 
September  4,  1802;  age,  83;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Lebanon,  N.  II. 

George  P.  Martin,  born,  Underbill,  Yt.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  T>,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
P.  O.  address  81  (ieorge  Street,  Hurlington,  Yt. 

Webster  J.  Martin,  born,  Hanover,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  1  I,  1802  ;  age,  10  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Knlield,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  378 

Albert  Miller,  born,  Sharon,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  September 
10,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  (). 
address  Lebanon,  N.  H. 

Carlos  H.  Miller,  born,  Sharon,  Yt.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  12,  1802;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
died  November  18,  1870,  Ballardvale,  Mass. 

Henry  Miller,  born,  New  York  ;  enlisted  September 
10,  1802;  age,  25;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  died 
May  19,  1880  at  Northwood,  N.  H. 

Joseph  Moore,  born,  Concord,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802  ;  age,  24  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  August  21,  1803  at  Concord,  N.  II. 

Elias  S.  Moores,  born,  Plainlield,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802  ;  age,  27  ;  transferred  from  Co.  K 
January  1,  1803  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  died 
in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  since  the  war. 

William  S.  Moses,  born,  Alexandria,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  0,  1802  ;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  Q.  address  170  Broadway,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Joseph  S.  Newell,  born,  Ripton,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  Torrington,  Conn. 

Prank  Norton,  born,  Stratford,  Yt.;  enlisted  September 
0,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  died  August  18,  1803,  at  Mound  City,  111. 

Alphonzo  Palmer,  born,  Orford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1802;  age,  18;  died  August  9,  1803,  near 
Yicksburg,  Miss. 

Josiah  C.Pelton,  born,  Plymouth,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember,  15,  1802;  age,  31;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Lyme  Center,  N.  H. 


374  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Suinner  T.  Pierce,  born,  Plainh'eld,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  9,  1802;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1868  ;  P.  ().  address  Windsor,  Vt. 

John  Poole,  born,  Plainfield,  N.  PL;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  10.  1862  ;  age,  35  ;  transferred  from  Company  K 
January  1,  1863;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863; 
died  Plainiield,  N.  H.,  1896. 

Frank  B.  Porter,  born,  Canaan,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  IT),  1862  ;  age,  19;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  September  13,  1863,  at  Lyme,  N.  H. 

Austin  C.  Ramsey,  born,  Pierrnont,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  27;  died  August  18,  1863,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 

James  Richardson,  born,  Corinth,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  6,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  513  Chestnut  Street,  Manchester,  N.  H. 

John  F.  Rush,  born,  Piermont,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  0.  address  Enfield,  N.  H. 

Orlando  Sargent,  born,  Woodstock,  Yt.  ;  enlisted 
September  17,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Hillsborough  Bridge,  N.  H. 

David  S.  Shattuck,  born,  Dorchester,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  3,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  transferred  from  Company 
K,  January  1.  1863  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died 
July  12,  1864,  at  Lyme,  N.  H. 

Enoch  P.  Smith,  born,  llaymond,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862;  age,  33;  transferred  from  Company 
K,  January  1,  1863;  died  July  26,  1863,  at  New  Orleans, 
La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  375 

John  H.  Smith,  born,  Lyme,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  J  3,  1862;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
P.  O.  address  Oregon,  111. 

Lucien  L>  Spaulding,  born,  Cornish,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
August  13,  1862;  age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  3863  ;  P.  O.  address  Cornish,  N.  H. 

Silas  S.  Spaulding,  [Silas  Spaulding  in  Adj.  Gen's 
report]  born,  Peru,  Mass.;  enlisted  September  2,  1862; 
age,  38  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863  ;  died  Sep 
tember  20.  1863,  at  Cornish,  N.  H. 

Alfred  D.  Stark,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  Y.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  34;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  0.  address  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Alonzo  Stark,  born,  Ellsworth,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Oct 
ober  27,  1862;  aged,  27;  died  June  16,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Irenus  Stark,  born  Hanover,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  died  June  3,  1863,  at  Brashear 
City,  La. 

Duty  C.  Stickney,  born  Plainfield,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862;  age,  24;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Enfield,  N.  H. 

Lucius  C.  Stone,  born,  Plaintield,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  March  25,  1895,  at  Plainfield,  N.  H. 

Luther  S.  Stone,  born,  Plainfield,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862;  age,  18;  died  July  7,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

George  Sweet,  born,  Columbia,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  9,  1862  ;  age,  32  ;  transferred  from  Company  K 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

January  1,  1868  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O. 
address  Cornish  Flat,  N.  H. 

Kendall  H.  Thomas,  born,  Medford,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  transferred  from  Co.  K 
January  1,  1863;  mustered  out  August "20,  1863  ;  P.  O. 
address  Lebanon,  ]ST.  H. 

John  M.  Vinton,  born,  Cornisli,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  10,  1862;  age,  23;  died  June  16,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Frank  G.  Warren,  born,  Lyme,  N.  IT.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  IT),  1862  :  age,  29  ;  discharged  for  disability  July 
18,  1863,  Concord,  N.  II.  ;  died  August  2,  1887,  Lyme, 
N.  H. 

John  H.  White,  born,  Thetford,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  0,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  died  August  12,  1863,  at  Mound 
City,  111. 

Edward  C.  Whittaker,  born,  Northfield,  Vt.;  enlisted 
September  8,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  died  July  25,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

William  W.  Williams,  born,  Orford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September,  10,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  August  26,  1863,  at  P>uffalo,  N.  Y. 


ROSTER    OF    COMPANY    B 


Captai 


Captain  Albert  J.  Hersey,  was  a  native  of  New  Hamp 
shire  and  graduated  from  Dartmouth  College  in  the  class 
of  1859.  He  was  in  Texas  teaching  school  when  (he  Avar 
began.  He  was  forced  into  the  Confederate  army,  but 
after  a  year's  service  he  escaped  and  found  his  way  into 
the  Union  lines.  lie  was  commissioned  captain  of  Com 
pany  B,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served  with  the  regi 
ment  until  mustered  out.  lie,  with  his  company,  was  in 
the  tight  at  Springfield  Landing,  lie  is  at  present  a 
resident  of  Manchester,  Iowa. 


378          HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 


i&irst  ^Cicut.    0rctmus  *?£?.    ^Burn/iam. 

First  Lieutenant  Oramus  W  Burnham  was  born  in 
Antrim,  JV.  II.,  May  25,  1827.  He  moved  to  Hills- 
borough  early  in  the  year  1837.  At  nineteen  years  of 
age  he  was  first  lieutenant  in  the  Twenty-Sixth  Regi 
ment  New  Hampshire  Militia,  and  captain  in  the  same 
regiment  at  twenty.  Served  twelve  years  as  clerk  in  the 
office  of  Register  of  Deeds,  for  Ilillsborough  County, 
N.  II. 

lie  enlisted  August  30,  1802,  as  a  private  in  Company 
1),  Sixteenth  Regiment  and  claims  to  be  the  first  in  the 
state  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  President  for  troops 
August  30,  1802.  He  was  promoted,  to  a  first  lieuten- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

ancy  and  went  to  Louisiana  with  the  regiment.  He 
was  taken  ill  with  erysipelas,  and  the  attending  surgeons 
pronounced  his  disease  incurable  and  advised  him  to 
return  home  at  once.  Acting  on  this  advice  he  resigned 
his  commission  and  returned  to  New  Hampshire. 

lie  removed  to  Nashua,  N.  II.,  in  1808,  where  he  was 
employed  as  cl^rk  and  salesman  for  manufacturing  and 
commercial  houses,  lie  moved  to  Mount  Vernon  in  1888 
where  he  now  resides. 

lie  has  served  as  Justice  of  the  Peace  nearly  twenty 
years,  and  is  by  occupation  a  fruit  and  berry  grower. 


380  HTSTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTKKNTII     REGIMENT 

il 


Second  jCiaut.    jrf/bcrt  ?£/.    W/ffffi'n. 

Second  Lieutenant  Albert  W.  Wiggin  was  l)orn  in 
Tuftonborono-h,  N.  II.  He  enlisted  October  (>,  18()h2,  as  a 
private  in  Company  B.  Ele  was  appointed  second  lieu 
tenant  November  4,  J8(>^,  and  first  lieutenant  February 
r>,  18f)^.  He  starved  tlie  full  period  of  enlistment,  and 
was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  Auirust  ^0,  18():-5. 
lie  is  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Wolfboro,  JNT. 
II.,  a  man  of  sterling  worth,  and  is  highly  esteemed,  by 
all  who  know  him, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


381 


/i  c5 .    o 

First  Sergeant  Alvah  S.  Libbey  was  born  in  Parson- 
field,  Me.,  and  at  thirty-two  years  of  age  enlisted  in  the 
Sixteenth  Regiment  September  '20,  186)2.  He  was  mus 
tered  in  as  first  sergeant  of  Company  B,  and  appointed 
second  lieutenant  of  the  same  company  February  f>,  18()^. 
lie  was  mustered  out  August  20,  1803.  He  was  commis 
sioned  first  lieutenant  and  then  captain  of  Company  G, 
First  New  Hampshire  Heavy  Artillery.  He  was  mus 
tered  out  June  15,  ]8()f).  Captain  Libbey  returned  to 
Wolfboro,  N.  H.,  and  was  senior  member  of  the  firm  of 
Libbey  &  Varney,  lumber  dealers  and  manufacturers. 
He  died  September  (5,  1805,  at  Wolfboro,  N.  H, 


HISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


If  £»  am 


tScconc/  c5 *<?r 'ffc ant  a£uct'us  33.    if/r/ff/it. 

Second  Sergctint  Lucius  B.  Wright  was  boi-n  in 
Washington,  N.  II.,  November^;"),  18:^()  ;  (Mlncated  in  the 
district  school  and  Tubbs'  Union  Academy.  Like  most 
other  boys  of  his  age,  lie  ''left  the  farm  for  the  city,1' 
being  eighteen  years  of  age.  After  a  year  or  two  in  the 
city  he  returned  to  his  native  state  and  went  to  work  in 
a  small  machine  shop.  In  1S.V,),  he  joined  the  Second 
Vermont  Infantry  and  was  a  member  of  the  regiment 
when  the  war  began.  lie  waited  until  1S(>'2  before  going 
into  active  service,  lie  spent  the  Summer  and  Fall  of 
that  year  in  Concord  in  military  work  and  joined  the 


XEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLVNTEE-KS.  388 

Sixteenth  Regiment  at  its  organization,  with  the  rank  of 
second  sergeant. 

On  his  return  lie  again  commenced  work  as  a  machinist 
and  mechanical  engineer,  which  occupation  he  has 
followed  most  of  the  time  until  now. 

For  the  past  sixteen  years  he  has  made  a  specialty  of 
engineering  in  connection  with  electrical  lighting  and 
power,  having  had  charge  of  the  construction  of  some  of 
the  iirst  of  these  enterprises. 

Sergeant  Wright  lives  in  Everett,  Mass.,  where  he  has 
had  his  home  for  over  twenty  years,  having  for  a  family 
a  wife  and  daughter.  His  only  son  died  while  our  regi 
ment  was  at  Butte  a  la  Hose.  He  has  been  twice 
married. 

Third  Sergeant  George  P.  Cotton,  born,  AYolfboro, 
N.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  20,  1862  ;  age,  89  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1808  ;  died  August  19,  1895,  at  Wolfboro, 
N.  11.  Sergeant  Cotton  was  in  the  several  engagements 
at  Donaldsonville,  La.,  June  28  to  July  9,  1863. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Obadiah  F.  Rumrill,  born  Hills- 
boro,  N.  IT.;  enlisted  September  3,  1862;  age,  24; 
reduced  to  the  ranks  at  his  own  request  May  20,  1863  ; 
reappointed  sergeant  July  17,  1868  ;  discharged  August 
20,  ISO:*;  died  September  10,  1863,  Cleveland,  O. 

Fifth  Sergeant  James  Winston,  born,  (lalway,  Ire 
land;  enlisted  September  9,  18(52;  age,  81);  mustered  out 
August  20,  1868  ;  died  January  21,  1889,  at  Boston,  Mass. 

First  Corporal  Nathaniel  R.  Scribner,  born,  Byfield, 
Mass.  ;  enlisted  September  16,  1862  ;  age.  33  ;  died  June 
20,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 


384  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Second  Corporal  George  H.  Mitchell,  born,  Deeririg, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  f>,  1802;  age,  22;  died  August 
5,  1803,  near  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Third  Corporal  Renel  Hnntoon,  born,  Newport, 
enlisted  October  4,  1802  ;  age,  30  ;  reduced  to  ranks 
June  10,  1803;  appointed  tirst  sergeant  July  7,  1803; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  died  September  17,  1803, 
at  lTnity,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Corporal  Lewis  F.  Davis,  born,  Alton,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  October  13,  1802  ;  age  23  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  Janesville,  Wis. 

Fifth  Corporal  Henry  \V.  Watson,  born,  Hills- 
borough,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  4,  1802;  age,  32; 
appointed  Sergeant,  April  10,  1803  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Hillsborough  Bridge,  N.  II. 

Sixth  Corporal  Harlin  P.  Crane,  born,  Lowell,  Mass.; 
enlisted  September  29,  1802;  age,  28;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Whitehall,  Mont. 

Seventh  Corporal  Charles  McClintock,  born,  Hills- 
borough,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  10,  1802  ;  age,  20  ; 
died  July  17,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Eighth  Corporal  George  (J£.)  Goodhne,  born,  Brook- 
Held,  N.  H. ;  enlisted  October  0,  18(52  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  AVakelield,  N.  II. 

Musician  Charles  O.  Randall,  born,  Lee,  N.  11.  ; 
enlisted  September  29,  1802;  age,  41  ;  died  July  3,  1803, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Musician  Peter  C.  Seavey,  born,  Pittslield,  N.  II.  ; 
enlisted  October  17,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803;  died  April  14,  189r>,  at  Lennoxville,  Canada. 


KEW  ir AMPS-MIKE  VOLUNTEERS.  385 

Wagoner  Hollis  P.  Chapman,  born,  Dover,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  22,  1802;  age,  21);  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808;  P.  ().  address  Seymour,  Mo. 

PRIVATES. 

Leonidas  J.  Avery,  born,  Wolt'boro,  N.  II.,  enlisted 
September  23,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  died  July  20,  1808,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Charles  H.  Bickford,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  IT.;  enlisted 
September  20,  1802;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  died  August  22,  1808,  at  Wolfboro,  N.  II. 

Nathaniel  D.  Blazo,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  l(),  1802;  age,  18;  died  August  7,  1808,  near 
Yicksburg,  Miss. 

Amos  P.  H.  Brown,  born,  Bristol,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  21,  1802;  age,  88;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Pelham,  N.  H. 

Luke  O.  Carpenter,  born,  Alexandria,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  18,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1868  ;  P.  O.  address  Hillsborougb  Bridge,  N.  H. 

John  C.  Caryl,  born,  Stockbridge,  Vt.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  29,  1802;  age,  48;  mustered  out  August  20,  1868;  P.O. 
address  Barracks  No.  6,  National  Military  Home,  Ohio. 

Joseph  W.  ChaniherHn,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  H., 
enlisted  October  7,  1802;  age,  11);  mustered  out  August 
20,  1808;  P.  O.  address  Onterville,  N.  H. 

James  Chase,  born,  Bedford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802;  age,  40;  appointed  corporal  July  17, 
1868;  mustered  out  August  20,  180)8;  P.  O.  address 
Melvin  Mills,  N.  H. 


386  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Thomas  Chase,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  TI.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  December  1),  1888,  at  Wolfboro,  N.  H. 

Charles  G.  Colhey,  born,  Deering,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1802;  age,  31);  died  June  20,  1803,  at 
Marine  Hospital,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Joel  E.  Cook,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  IT.  ;  enlisted  October 
8,  1802;  age,  31 ;  deserted  Oct.  21),  1802,  at  Concord,N.  II. 

Cyrus  Cooleclge,  born,  Hillsborougli,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1802;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  24  Whitney  Avenue,  Cambridge- 
port,  Mass. 

William  Corson,  born,  New  Durham,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  20,  1802;  age,  3f>  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  South  Wolfboro,  N.  II. 

James  W.  Cross,  born,  Canada  ;  enlisted  November 
10,  1862;  age,  30;  appointed  corporal  July  17,  1863; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  died  April  21,  1870,  at 
Wolfboro,  N.  H. 

John  O.  Dinsmore,  born,  Francestown,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862  ;  age,  4i>  ;  died  June  20,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 


X E \V     II AM PSTI1 1  f  10    A' O  L T N TJO K 1 1 S . 


887 


George  T.  Dun  field  was  horn  in  Washington,  N.  H., 
June  3,  1840.  He  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Sixteenth 
Regiment,  on  September  2,  1802,  and  served  until  mus 
tered  out  at  Concord,  August  20,  1803.  Pie  was  at  the 
taking  of  Kort  Burton,  l>ntte  i\  la  Rose,  was  in  the  fight 
at  Springfield  Lauding  and  at  the  siege  of  Port  Hudson. 
He  was  company  cook  during  the  last  three  months  of 
his  service. 


388  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

James  C.  Dwight,  born,  Canada;  enlisted  October  10, 
1802;  age,  28;  deserted  October  29,  1802,  at  Concord,  N.1I. 

I^eander  H.  Eaton,  born,  Hillsborough,  N.  H.  ;  en 
listed  September  11),  1802  ;  age  18  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1808;  died  September  24,  1803. 

Albert  Emery,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803. 

Moses  Emery,  born,  Canada  ;  enlisted  September  22, 
1802  ;  age,  37  ;  died  August  18,  1803,  at  Wolfboro,  JST.  H. 

Othnall  D.  Fairbanks,  born,  Peering,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  31  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1803;  died  September  20,  1803,  at  Deering,  N.  H. 

Nathaniel  D.  Farnsworth,  born,  Ilaverhill,  N.  II.  ; 
enlisted  October  10,  1802  ;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803;  died  September  12,  1888,  at  Wakelield,  N.  H. 

George  B.  Fogg,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  0,  1802  ;  age,  23  ;  deserted  October  29,  1802,  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

Bartholomew  Folan,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  19,  1802  ;  age,  25  ;  died  June  7,  1803,  at  New  Orleans, 
La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


389 


v 


<Se?ui're 

Squires  Forsaith  was  born,  Deering,  N.  H.,  June  9, 
1839.  He  lived  on  a  farm  Tin  til  the  Spring  of  1861,  when 
he  went  to  Hillsboro  to  learn  the  tin-smith's  trade. 
September  9,  1802,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Six 
teenth  Regiment  as  a  private.  While  at  Camp  Parapet 
he  was  detailed  as  orderly  bugler  at  brigade  headquarters 
commanded  by  (leneral  Andrews.  In  June,  1803,  he  was 
ordered  to  report  at  corps  headquarters  where  he  was 
bugler  until  his  term  of  service  expired.  He  re-enlisted 
January,  1805,  as  musician,  joined  the  Army  of  the 


HISTORY    OE    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

Potomac  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Since 
the  war  he  has  been  in  the  stove  and  hardware  business 
in  Antrim,  N.  II.,  which  is  now  his  P.  ().  address. 

George  W.Frost,  born,  \Volfboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  7,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  died  April  28,  1803,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Francis  A.  Gale,  born,  Guildhall,  Vt. ;  enlisted  October 
2f>,  1802;  age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1803; 
died  several  years  since  in  South  Dakota. 

Benjamin  C.  Garland,  born,  Bartlett,  X.  II.;  enlisted 
November  4,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20. 
1808;  V.  ().  address  \Vhitelield,  N.  II. 

Charles  F.  Gould,  born,  Greenfield,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20. 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Keene,  N.  H. 

Enoch  7.  Gould,  born,  Greenfield,  X.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  2,  1802  ;  age,  42  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  September  1,  1803. 

Alpha  M.  Hall,  born,  Bartlett,  X.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  17,  1802;  age,  21  ;  appointed  corporal  July  17, 
1803;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address 
Bartlett,  N.  II. 

Charles  C.  77^77,  born,  "Harriett,  X.  II.  ;  enlisted 
November  4,  18(52;  age,  28;  died  June  22,  1803.  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

FJias  M.  Hall,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  October 
13,  1802;  age.  43;  deserted  November  13,  1802,  at  Con 
cord,  X.  II. 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLTNTKKKS. 


391 


"U.     Jfastintfs. 

Luther  T.  Hastings  was  born,  in  Peeling,  N.  II.  lie 
enlisted  in  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  September  13,  1802; 
age  23.  He  served  with  the  regiment  during  its  full 
term,  and  was  mustered  out  August  20,  1803.  lie  re -en 
listed  as  private  in  the  Kirst  New  Hampshire  Kegiment 
Heavy  Artillery,  September  1,  1804,  and  was  mustered 
out  June  2f>,  380;").  lie  died  in  Kverett,  Mass.,  Novem 

ber  If),  1870,  and  was  buried  in  South  Antrim,  N.  II. 
His  wife  was  Melinda  Hussell.  His  son  Willie  Hastings 
is  still  living,  but  the  other  son,  Archibald,  is  dead. 


HISTOKY 


K    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


; 


I 


Joseph  P.  Heath  of  Wolfboro,  X.  IT.,  was  born  in 
Dover,  N.  II..  January  18,  183;").  He  enlisted  in  Com 
pany  B,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  October,  180:2,  and  served 
with  the  regiment  except  while  at  Donaldsonville,  Ijti. 
He  was  one  of  the  heroic  defenders  during  the  siege  of 
Fort  Butler  at  I>onaldsonville  and  was  also  in  the  engage 
ment  on  Bayou  La  Fourche.  He  was  mustered  out  at 
Concord,  N.  II.,  with  the  regiment.  He  again  enlisted 
in  September,  J8(>4.  in  Company  (T,  First  New  Hamp 
shire  Heavy  Artillery,  serving  until  mustered  out  at  the 
close  of  the  war.  Tie  has  been  one  of  the  leading  mer- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  393 

chants  of  Wolfboro  for  twenty  years.  Since  1890,  lie  has 
been  superintendent  of  Wolfboro  "Water  Works. 

George  W.  Hayes,  born,  .Jackson,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  8,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  died  April  13,  1803,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Albert  M.  Heath,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  3,  1802  ;  age,  24  ;  died  July  20,  1803,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Charles  C.  Hoyt,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  IT.;  enlisted 
September  19,  1802;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  28  Lake  Street,  Worcester,  Mass. 


394  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


1 


i 


Arthur  Hamilton  Ing  rum  was  born  in  Newport,  N. 
II.,  .June  Hi,  181)1).  He  enlisted  ;it  Newport  September 
K-S,  18(>2,  in  Company  I?,  and  was  mustered  in  November 

I,  18(>2,  and   detail(jd   as   member   of    the  band.      lie  was 
disehari-'ed    witli    the    regiment    nt    ('oncord    August    20, 
l8())->.      He  was  clerk  in  the  West    Indies  Goods  business 
for   ten    years    in    Newport,  N.   II.      lie   was    elected    for 
three  terms  as  register  of  deeds  for   Sullivan  County,  N. 

II.  hi    .I  uly,    I878,    lie   was   appointed    station    agent   at 
Antrim,  N.  II.,  which  position  he  now  holds. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  395 

Charles  E.  Johnson,  born,  New  Durham,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  19,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803  ;  died  March  10,  181)3,  at  Wolt'boro,  N.H. 

Ezra  P.Johnson,  born,  New  Durham,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1802;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  died  February  14,  1889,  at  Woli'boro,  N.  II. 

John  S.  Kenison,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  4,  1802;  age,  22;  died  June  7,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Ezra  H.  Keniston,  (2)  born,  Warren,  N.  II .  ;  enlisted 
September  24,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  ().  address  Dover,  N.  H. 

David  S.  Kimball,  born,  Alton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  20,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  died  April  29,  1803,  Erashear 
City,  La. 

Wooclhnry  L.  Leavitt,  born,  Tuftonboro,  N.  II.  ; 
enlisted  September  20,  1802  ;  age,  34  ;  mustered  out 
August  20.  1803;  died  October  18,  1803,  at  Tuftonboro, 
N.  II . 

John  W.  Leo,  born,  Ilighgate,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  October 
10,  1802;  age,  27;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  died 
January  IT),  1878,  at  Ilighgate,  Vt. 

John  IT.  Loud,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
October  0,  1802  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  ().  address  Wolfboro,  N.  II. 

Sumner  C.  Me  Adams,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1802;  age,  28;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  September  24,  1808. 

Richard  McAllister,  born,  Antrim,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
(September  15,  1802;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20,1803, 


396  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Henry  P.  Martin,  born,  Boscomen,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  llillsboro  Bridge,  N.  II. 

Jonathan  Mead,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20.  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Nelson  street,  Manchester,  IXr.  H. 

Leonard  Morse,  born,  Francestown,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  27,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  discharged  February  26, 
1863. 

Levi  Moulton,  born.  Hart's  Location;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  20,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

James  J.  Mnrdangh,  born,  llillsboro,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  6,  1862;  age,  33;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  DC  Witt,  111. 

Francis  H.  Newman,  born,  Brighton,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  August  17,  1887. 

William  Norisc,  Jr.,  born,  Deering,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
Septembers,  1862;  age,  33;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  West  Deering,  N.  H. 

Cyrus  F.  Noyes,  born,  Plaisto\v,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802  ;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20; 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Westville,  N,  II, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


397 


£diuarct   ^.     J/oj/cs. 

Edward  F.  Noyes,  bo rn,  Plaistow,  INT.  II.;  enlisted 
September  2;">,  1802;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
ISC,;};  P.  ().  address  \Vestville,  N.  II. 

Lennder  Nntc,  born,  Bartlett.  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  1C),  1802 ;  age,  30;  deserted  October  It),  18()2  ; 
(gd  from  des.)  discharged  April  i);  18(>3,  at  Concord,  N.II. 

Anf/rew  T.  Parker,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  10,  1S6U2  ;  age,  35;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1S63;  P.  O.  address  Bartlett,  IV.  TI. 


398  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

John  C.  Parker,  born,  Bartlett,  IS1.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  20,  1862;  age,  18;  died  July  29,  1863,  at  Port 
Hndson,  La. 

Phineas  Parker,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  13,  1862;  age,  33;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  Newton  Upper  Falls,  Mass. 

William  A.  Parker,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  5,  1862  ;  age,  31  ;  appointed  corporal  April 
16,  1863  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address 
Lowell,  Mass. 

Joseph  H.  Picker,  born,  Brooklield,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  9,  1862  ;  age,  23;  died  July  24,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Francis  W.  Robbins,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862;  age,  27;  died  August  9,  1863,  at 
Cairo,  Til. 

George  H.  Robertson,  born,  Boston,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
August  30,  1862;  age,  20;  died  August  22,  1863,  at 
Mound  City,  111. 

Daniel  Rollins,  born,  Brooklield,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  19,  1862;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  East  Wolfboro,  N.  II. 

Charles  G.  Sherwood,  born,  Poole,  England  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862;  age,  43;  died  June  14,  1868,  at 
New  Orleans,  La. 

Cyrus  F.  St union,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  distil  a  rged.  to  date  August  20, 
1863. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  399 

Walter  P.  Straw,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  20,  18(52;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20, 
18(53  ;  died  April  28,  1887. 

Benjamin  F.  Triekey,  born,  Brookfield,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  23,  1862;  age,  30;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Mulv.me,  Ivans. 

Edward  Turner,  born,  England  ;  enlisted  September 
22,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died 
January  19,  1870,  at  South  Groveland,  Mass. 

Richard  A.  Webber,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died 1896. 

Joseph  J.  Whitten,  born,  Wolfboro,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Lakeport,  N.  H. 

Edward  J.  Wiley,  born,  Francis  town,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862;  age,  44.  He  was  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  volunteered  for  storming  party  at  Port 
Hudson,  La  ,  under  General  Order  49.  He  was  mustered 
out  with  the  regiment. 


ROSTER    OF    COMPANY     C. 


i 


Cctptcu'n 

Captain  Aaron  A.  Clark  was  born  in  Topsfield,  Mass., 
October  19,  1834.  In  1850,  lie  removed  to  Wilton,  N.  H., 
where  lie  has  since  resided.  He  assisted  in  recruiting 
Company  C,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  was  commissioned 
captain,  lie  served  with  the  regiment  until  it  was  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  180;].  The  survivors  of  his  com 
pany  hold  him  in  high  esteem  and  meet  in  annual 
encampment  in  one  of  the  towns  from  which  the  company 
was  recruited.  His  P.  ().  address  is  Wilton,  N.  II. 

First  Lieutenant  Henry  M.  Mills,  born,  (Iral'ton.  Vt.; 
enlisted  October  10,  1802  ;  age.  24  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803;  P.  (.).  address  Lowell,  Mass. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


401 


iSeconct  ^Ci' 


.    G"Z)onncM, 


Second  Lieutenant  Edward  J.  O'Donnell  was  born  in 
Lyndeboro,  Hillsboro  County,  N.  II.  ,  May  11,  1835,  and 
was  residing  in  Mason,  JST.  II.,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
wai'.  In  September,  1802.  lie  was  given  recruiting  papers 
and  enlisted  a  squad  of  volunteers,  which  joining  with 
others  from  Wilton  and  Mil  ford,  united  to  form  Com 
pany  C  of  the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  of  which  A.  A.  (/lark 
was  commissioned  captain.  In  April,  1SOI-J,  the  regiment 
then  being  at  Fort  Burton,  I>utte  a  la  Hose,  La.,  Lieut. 
(VJ)onnell  was  ordered  on  board  the  United  States  Gun 
boat  Arizona,  in  command  of  a.  squad  of  sharpshooters 


4()W2  HISTORY    O*1    THE    StXTEKNTIf    KEGIMKNT 

and  remained  in  that  capacity  while  she  made  the 
famous  trip  as  the  pioneer  gunboat  through  Grand  Lake, 
Atchafalaya,  Bayou  and  Old  river,  making  communica 
tion  with  the  Upper  Fleet  then  lying  at  the  mouth  of 
Old  river.  ''This"  he  says  "was  an  interesting  and 
romantic,  as  well  as  dangerous,  cruise.  The  tropical 
foliage  sweeping  our  decks  from  the  towering  trees 
growing  to  the  water's  edge  more  than  once  tore  out  our 
wheel  houses.  At  any  moment  some  Confederate  scout 
was  liable  to  tire  on  us  from  the  shore,  sending  some  one 
to  his  last  roll  call." 

Subsequently  the  Arizona  was  ordered  up  Red  river 
and  had  engagements  with  Fort  de  Kusa  and  with  the 
rebel  gunboats  Webb  and  Mary  T,  and  with  the  fort 
on  Little  Washita.  Later  the  Arizona  captured  Alex 
andria  on  Red  river  and  the  lieutenant  was  placed  on 
shore  in  charge  of  the  city. 

About  the  middle  of  May,  1863,  he  was  ordered  on 
shore  as  provost  marshall  at  Bayou  Sara,  where  he 
remained  until  June  15,  1863.  Soon  after  returning  to 
his  regiment,  at  Port  Hudson,  General  Banks  called  for 
a  thousand  men  to  act  as  a  storming  party  to  lead  a 
charge  on  the  enemy's  works,  called  the  Forlorn  Hope. 
Lieutenant  O'Donnell  joined  these  volunteers  and  re 
mained  until  the  surrender  of  Port  Hudson  July  8,  1863. 

After  being  mustered  out  he  took  his  degree  as  M.  1)., 
at  Dartmouth  College,  was  mustered  into  the  Thirteenth 
Maryland  Infantry  as  first  assistant  surgeon  and  served 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  now  a  practicing  phy 
sician  at  Auburn,  Kans. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  403 

First  Sergeant  Lewis  P.  Ray,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.H.; 
enlisted  September  1,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Bloomington,  111. 

Second  Sergeant  Henry  H.  Stevens,  born,  Wilton, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  22,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered 
out  August  20.  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  130  West  Randolph 
street,  Chicago,  111. 

Third  Sergeant  Josiah  D.  Crosby,  born,  Milford,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  September  1,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  May  12, 
1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Fourth  Sergeant  John  f£.  Sterns,  born,  New  Ipswich, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862;  age,  25;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  deceased. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Augustus  L  Sawtelle,  born,  Brook- 
line,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  41  ;  died 
July  6,  1863,  at  Algiers,  La. 

First  Corporal  Harrison  M.  Livingston,  born,  New 
Ipswich,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  2,  1862;  age,  22; 
appointed  sergeant  June  30,  1863  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Greenville,  N.  H. 


404  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


Second  Corpora/  Vt/iUts  Jf. 

Second  Corporal  Willis  H.  Abbott,  born,  Wilton,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age,  '23;  appointed  ser 
geant  July  7,  lcS63  ;  mustered  out  August  20.  1808;  P. 
().  address  Wilton,  N.  II. 

Third  Corporal  James  Davis,  born  Shirley,  Mass.  ; 
enlisted  September  13,  1S(>2  ;  age,  43;  died  August  10, 
1S()3,  at  Cairo,  III. 

Fourth  Corporal  Clinton  Kohanon,  born,  Brookline, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  4,  1S(>2;  aiiv,  20;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1S(>);  volunteered  in  storming  party  at 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  405 

Port  Hudson,  La.,  under  General  Order  49  ;  P.  O.  address 
Petersham,  Mass. 

Fifth  Corporal  Charles  E.  French,  born,  Pepperell, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September  2,  18(52;  age,  18;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1868;  died  July  10,  1864,  at  Wilton,  N.fT. 

Sixth  Corporal  George  F.  Stone,  born,  Water  town, 
Mass.,  enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age,  24;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1868. 

Seventh  Corporal  Alanson  \V.  Peahody,  born,  Mid- 
dleton,  Vt.;  enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age,  20;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1868. 

Eighth  Corporal  Charles  Blancharcl,  born,  Milford, 
X.  II.;  enlisted  September  27,  1862;  age,  87;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1868;  died  September  20,  1868,  at  Wil 
ton,  N.  II. 

Musician  William  J.  Gray,  born,  Scotland  ;  enlisted 
October  22,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  July  15,  1889,  at  Enfield,  N.  H. 

PRIVATES. 

Amos  W.  Abhott,  born,  Alnnednuggur,  India;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  19;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1868  ;  P.  O  address  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

William  Abbott,  born,  Jackson,  Me.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  August  24,  1803,  at  Milford,  N.  II. 

Channcey  A.  Adams,  born,  Mason,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802  ;  age,  19  :  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Milford,  N.  H. 


406  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

George  L,.  Adams,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862;  age,  38;  died  August  19,  1863,  at 
Mason,  N.  H. 

Nathan  Adams,  born,  Mason,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  16,  1862  ;  age,  46  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  January  21,  1892,  at  Fitzwilliam.  N.  H. 

John  P.  Alexander,  born,  Mount  Vernon,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863;  died  September  20,  1863,  at  Mattoon,  111. 

Albert  T.  Austin,  born,  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  27,  1862;  age,  18;  died  August  1,  1863,  at 
Port  Hudson,  La. 

Charles  R.  Bacon,  born,  Nashua,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  1193  Broadway,  New  York  City. 

Charles  P.  Baldwin,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  died  June  21,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Sydney  A.  Barrett,  born,  Washington,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  6,  1862  ;  age,  37  ;  discharged  December  17,  1862, 
at  New  York  City  ;  P.  0.  address  Gibbon,  Neb. 

Charles  C.  Bttrtlett,  born,  Lowell,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1862;  age,  23;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Milford,  N.  II. 

George  Blanchard,  born,  Milford,  N.  11.  ;  enlisted 
September  27,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Wilton,  N.  H. 

John  Blanchard,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  6,  1862  ;  age,  36  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Wilton,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  407 

William  M.  Blanchard,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.;  unlisted 
September  13,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  September  2,  1863,  at  Wilton,  N.  II. 

John  Bohanon,  born,  Brookline,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  4,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Pepperell,  Mass. 

Ramsey  C.  Boiitwell,  born,  Leech  Lake,  Minn.  ; 
enlisted  September  11,  1862;  age,  25;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Nashua,  N.  II. 

William  C.  Boiitwell,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.  ;  en 
listed  September  22,  1862  ;  age,  3!)  ;  died  June  21,  1863, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Francis  V.  Bradford,  born,  Wilton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  27,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

Asa  Burgess,  born,  Brookline,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  4,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  ^0,  1863; 
volunteered  in  storming  party  at  Port  Hudson,  La., 
under  General  Order  49,  June  15,  1863;  P.  O.  a.ddress 
Townsend,  Mass. 

George  H.  Carter,  born,  Troy,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  October 
25,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  LH),  1863;  re- 
enlisted  in  Company  F,  Thirteenth  Regiment  V.  R.  C. 

Alvan  B.  Chase,  [Alvun  B.  Chase  in  Adj.  Gen's  report] 
born,  Millbury,  Mass.;  enlisted  September  5,  1862;  age, 
40;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Frank  B.  Clark,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  1,  1862;  age,  23;  died  June  22,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 


408  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


Scorepe  *£ .    Crct'gr/iton. 

George  L,.  Creighton  Avas  born  in  Mason,  N.  II.,  in 
1843.  lie  worked  on  the  farm  summers  and  attended 
public,  schools  in  the  Avinter.  lie  enlisted  September  !), 
18(>2,  as  a  private  in  Company  C,  and  was  discharged  at 
New  Orleans,  La.,  on  the  seventeenth  oi'  .July,  18()l],  on 
surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 

lie  took  passage  for  New  York  on  the  mail  steamer 
MoriiiiKj  >SYw,  wliich  was  wrecked  on  the  New  Jersey 
coast,  the  passengers  and  crew,  however,  reaching  shore 
in  the  life  boats.  After  remaining  near  the  wreck  for 
ten  days,  he  secured  transportation  to  New  York,  thence 


NEW     HA.MPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  409 

home  to  Mason,  N.  II.,  arriving  August  19.  lie  is  a 
member  of  E.  V.  Simmer  Post  No.  19,  Department  of 
Massachusetts,  G.  A.  11.  'Resides  in  Natick,  Mass.,  and 
is  by  occupation  a  grocer. 

Joseph  S.  Courey,  born,  Methuen,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  3,  1802  ;  age,  "20  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803. 

William  P.  Conrey,  born,  Goshen,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  8,  1802;  age,  44;  died  May  10,  1803,  at 
Brashear  City,  La. 

Allen  T.  Crosby,  born,  Milford,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802;  age,  18;  died  August  20,  1803,  at  Mil- 
ford,  N.  II. 

Charles  H.  Crosby,  born,  Milford,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  17,  1802;  age,  19;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  ().  address  Manchester,  N.  II. 

/.  Prank  Crosby,  born,  Milford,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  180)2  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53  ; 
P.  ().  address  Manchester,  N.  II. 

Joseph  dishing,  born,  Canada  ;  enlisted  September  1, 
1802  ;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  died  April 
12,  1879,  tit  Milford,  N.  II. 

James  R.  Dascombe,  born,  'Wilton,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  27,  1802;  age,  32;  ii.ppoint.ed  corporal  June 
30,  1.803;  mustered  out  August  2<>,  18(53;  died  December 

19,  1892,  at  Wilton,  N.  II. 

lyiieian  A.  Dnueklee,  born,  Milford,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1802;  age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August 

20,  18(53;   died  August  23,  1803,  tic  Mattoon,  111. 


410  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Dexter  J.  Farley,  born,  Hollis,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1868  ;  died  June  10,  187i),  at  Hollis,  N.  H. 

Elbridge  C.  Frye,  born,  Wilton,  N.  IF.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  28,  1862;  age,  19;  died  July  16,  1863,  New 
Orleans,  Ln. 

James  G.  Fuller,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1862;  age,  18;  died  June  6,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

William  Garvin,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  September 
29,  1862  ;  age,  35  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Edward  Gerald,  born,  Boscowen,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  14,  1862;  age,  44;  discharged  May  6,  1863,  at 
New  York  City. 

Charles  B.  Gorham,  born,  Mason,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Turner,  111. 

George  R.  Hartshorn,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1862;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Milford,  N.  H. 

/.  Wood  Hastings,  born,  Newbury,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  Address  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Amos  Hcrrick,  born,  Wesfon,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  26,  1862;  age,  43;  died  June  17,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Allen  R.  Hood,  born,  Deering,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  19,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  East  Lempster,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  411 

Edwin  B.  Howard,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Reno,  Nev. 

Justin  H.  Hntchinson,  [name  Justin  Hutcliinson  in 
Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Milford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  6,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Milford,  N.  H. 

Sylvanus  Hutchinson,  born,  Wilton,  J\.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  2,  LS62;  age,  30;  discharged  June  25,  1863,  at 
Concord,  N.  H.  ;  P.  O.  address  Wilton,  N.  H. 

Thomas  Jackson,  born,  Pennsylvania  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  12,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Mason,  N.  H. 

Alvin  A.  Jewell,  born,  Groton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  \Voousocket,  R.  I. 

Elbridge  K.  Jewett,  born,  Temple,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Milford,  N.  H. 

Daniel  Kendall,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  35  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Brookline,  N.  H. 

Nathan  F.  Kendall,  born,  Mount  Vernon,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  died  August  15, 
1863,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

Orvan  B.  Keyes,  born,  Hancock,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sept. 
17,  1862;  age,  18;  died  August  21,  1863,  at  Mound  City,  111. 

Corydon  D.  Keyes,  born,  Hancock,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  20,  1862;  age,  37  5  (IJecl  'Tune  27,  1863,  at 
Baton  Rouge,  La. 


412  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Marshall  Kimhall,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  9,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Greenville,  N.  H. 

James  Landers,  born  Ireland  ;  enlisted  September  1, 

1862  ;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  Jan 
uary  15,  1893,  at  Wilton,  N.  H. 

Benjamin  G.  Livingston,  born,  Sharon,  Mass.  ;  en 
listed  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Greenville,  N.  H. 

Noah  Lund,  born,  Hollis,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September 
1,  1862  ;  age  21  ;  died  June  5,  1863,  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

James  A.  Merrill,  born,  Corinth,  Vt.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  20  Stark  street,  Nashua,  N.  H. 

Charles  W.  Mills,  born,  Mil  ford,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  August  23,  1863,  at  Mil  ford,  N.  II. 

Charles  H.  Osgood,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  1,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 

1863  ;  P.  O.    address    408    Boyleston    street,   Fitchburg, 
Mass. 

Milton  L.  Osgood,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  1,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Samuel  A.  Putnam,  [S.  Abbott  Putnam  in  Adj.  Gen's 
report]  born  Wilton,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  2,  1862; 
age,  22  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  ad 
dress  87  Elm  Street,  Charlestown,  Mass. 

Samuel  S.  Reed,  born,  Acton,  Mass.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  9,  1862;  age  28;  discharged  December  15,  1862  at 
]NTe\v  York  City  ;  P.  (),  address  Littleton  Common,  Mass, 


NEAV    HAMPSIIIKE    VOLFNTEEKS.  418 

David  Robbins,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1808;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  died  March  8,  181)0. 

Granville  Robbing,  born,  Mason,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
November  17,  1802  ;  age,  40  ;  discharged  June  27,  1808, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Horace  W.  Robbing  born.  Nelson.  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1802;  nge,  11);  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  P.  ().  address  84  Valley  street,  Keene,  N.  H. 

Lyman  L,.  Sannders,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802;  age,  18;  died  May  4,  1808,  at 
Brashear  City,  La. 

Daniel  W.  Smith,  born  Brookline,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  18,  1802;  age,  22;  discharged  May  5,  1808; 
died  May  11,  1808,  at  sea. 

Nathaniel  Smith,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802;  age,  44;  died  June  21,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Henry  C.  Stimson,  born,  Mil  ford,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  1,  1802;  age,  81  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  died  August  27,  1808,  at  Mill'ord,  N.  II. 

Samuel  H.  Wheeler,  born,  Mason,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  17,  1802;  age,  44;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  died  March  15,  1881),  at  Mason,  N.  II. 

Marcine  H.  Whiteomb,  born,  Heading,  Yt.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1802  ;  age,  24;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  ().  address  Holyoke,  Mass. 

Stillman  C.  White,  born.  Mount  Vernon,  N.  II.  ; 
enlisted  September  1,  1802;  age,  28;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808;  died  February  28,  1808,  at  Lowell,  Mass, 


414  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

George  B.  Wright,  born,  Mil  ford,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  29;  died  August  2,  1863,  at 
Natchez,  Miss 

John  Wright,  born,  Boston,  Mass.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  1,  1862;  age,  43;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  Columbia,  N.  H.,  within  a  few  years. 

Albion  Wynian,  born,  Chatham,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  16,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  North  Fryeburg,  Me. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  D. 


Captain    'Z^ctnt'cJ  £.     ^foivard. 

Captain  Daniel  E.  Howard,  born,  Grantham,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  October  13,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Concord,  N.  H. 

First  Lieutenant  Charles  H.  Herbert,  born,  Concord, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  October  13,  1862  ;  age,  3o.  He  had  pre 
viously  served  as  a  member  of  the  New  Hampshire  legis 
lature  in  the  years  I860  and  1861.  Immediately  after 
the  session  of  sixty-one  had  adjourned  he  opened,  a 
recruiting  office  for  several  different  regiments. 

When  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  was  called  for  he  raised 
almost  a  full  company,  and  was  chosen  captain  by  its 


4  in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 


'"  If 


.    C/iar/as  J¥.    Jtcrbcrt. 


members,  but  declined  the  honor,  and  Captain  Howard 
took  command  of  the  company.  He  then  accepted  a 
commission  as  first  lieutenant  and  acted  as  commissary 
of  the  regiment  while  in  Concord.  On  the  arrival  of  the 
regiment  in  New  York,  he  was  detailed  to  receive  com 
missary  stores  for  the  vessels  loading  for  the  Banks' 
Expedition  at  the  Novelty  Iron  \Vorks  at  the  foot  of 
Twelfth  and  Thirteenth  streets.  He  went  with  part  of 
the  regiment  on  the  Haxlern  Queen,  to  (vamp  Parapet, 
above  New  Orleans,  and  Avas  there  a  short  time  when  he 
was  ordered  to  report  to  Ueneral  Sherman  for  duty  in  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  417 

Department  of  the  Gulf,  receiving  a  promotion  to  A.  C. 
S.,  with  the  rank  of  captain  United  States  Volunteers. 
He  never  rejoined  his  regiment  but  continued  to  serve 
the  army  until  May  1,  1805.  His  commission  was  signed 
by  President  Lincoln.  His  P.  O.  address  is  Concord, 
N.  H. 

Second  Lieutenant  Robert  S.  Davis,  born,  Concord, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  October  13,  1862;  age,  24;  promoted  to 
first  lieutenant  January  20,  1863,  but  was  not  mustered 
in  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  October  24, 
1876,  at  West  Concord,  N.  H. 

First  Sergeant  Charles  T.  Summers,  born,  Norfolk, 
Va.;  enlisted  September  27,  1862;  age,  27;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Concord,  N.  H. 

Second  Sergeant  Frank  P.  Hall,  born,  Concord,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  promoted  to 
second  lieutenant  January  20,  1863  ;  was  not  mustered 
in  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Pleas 
ant  on,  Kans. 

Third  Sergeant  Nathan  M.  Dow,  born.  Concord,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  September  3,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  October  27,  1863,  at  West  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Augustus  Barnard,  born,  Haverhill, 
Mass.,  enlisted  October  15,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  December  16,  1863,  at  Hopkin- 
ton,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Andrew  J.  Holmes,  born,  Hopkinton, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  14,  1862  ;  age,  36  ;  transferred 
to  Company  B,  Seventeenth  New  Hampshire  Volunteers, 


418         HISTORY  OE  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 

November  15,  1862  ;  transferred  to  Company  C  ;  must 
ered  out  April  16,  1863. 

First  Corporal  Moses  T.  Stone,  born,  Grantham,  N. 
H  ;  enlisted  October  4,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  promoted  to  ser 
geant :  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Second  Corporal  William  H.  Orne,  born,  Orange, 
Vt.;  enlisted  September  4,  1862  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  January  5,  1874,  at  West  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 


>TE\V    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS. 


419 


~&Airct  Corpora/  ?//fi///anc/  C?.    *£amprey. 

Third  Corporal  Maitland  C.  L,amprey  at  the  break 
ing  out  of  the  war  was  pursuing  Iris  studies  at  Dartmouth 
College.  As  it  was  generally  supposed  at  the  time  that 
the  war  would  be  over,  if  not  in  sixty  days,  certainly 
within  a  year  at  the  farthest.  He  hesitated  long  before 
giving  up  his  college  course.  One  Saturday  morning  at 
the  breakfast  table  (this  was  near  the  close  of  Iris  Junior 
Year)  there  was  shown  him  a  copy  of  the  Boston  Journal, 
which  contained  the  name  of  his  brother  Horace  among 
the  mortally  wounded.  We  quote  at  this  point  from 
his  own  account  of  what  followed  : 


420  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

"I  could  hesitate  no  longer,  but  went  to  my  room, 
packed  my  trunk  and  then  Avaited  upon  President  Lord 
to  notify  him  of  my  intention  to  take  up  the  fallen 
musket  and  fill  out  my  brother's  term  of  enlistment  in 
Company  B,  of  the  Second  New  Hampshire  Regiment,  in 
fighting  Joe  Hooker's  brigade. 

;'  Before  noon  T  was  at  home  in  Concord  and  informed 
my  family  of  my  intention.  For  weeks  it  Avas  impossi 
ble  to  learn  Avhether  my  brother  was  dead  or  a  prisoner, 
and  when  there  was  no  longer  any  doubt  of  his  fate,  I 
decided  to  enlist  in  one  of  the  nine  months1  regiments, 
though  I  had  no  thought  of  quitting  the  army  until  the 
war  AA7as  OATer.  I  fully  intended  to  earn  promotion  if 
possible  and  opportunity  Avas  offered,  but  how  differently 
things  turned  out.  Instead  of  an  opportunity  of  earning 
promotion,  AAre  were  located  in  the  swamp  and  compelled 
to  breathe  the  malaria,  which  proved  more  fatal  than 
rebel  bullets.  Until  after  our  sojourn  at  Butte  a  la  Rose, 
I  never  lost  a  day  from  sickness,  but  Avas  never  Avell 
afterwards.  Fever  and  ague,  swamp  or  malarial  fever 
and  dysentery  followed  until  I  had  little  hope  of  seeing 
home  again.  I  have  neA7er  doubted,  that  another  AATeek 
there  would  have  proved  my  last.  When  hope  was 
nearly  gone,  word  came  that  Ave  were  to  start  the  next 
day  and  this  gave  me  courage  to  undertake  the  long  voy 
age  home.  For  weeks  it  seemed  a  losing  tight,  but  a 
naturally  strong  constitution  brought  me  through. 

"After  recovering  sufficiently  to  undertake  any  serious 
occupation,  I  decided  to  adopt  teaching  as  a  profession 
and  have  spent  my  life  in  the  schoolroom,  with  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  421 

exception  of  one  year  during  wliicli  I  rested.  I  taught 
tirst  at  Marshalltown,  then  Knoxville  and  Bloomh'eld, 
Iowa,  in  the  state  normal  school  Emporia,  Kans.,  in  the 
South  Berwick  Academy,  South  Berwick,  Me.,  in  Ells 
worth.  Me.,  Rochester,  N.  H.,  high  schools,  and  the  last 
twenty  years  in  North  Easton,  Mass.,  as  principal  of  the 
Ens  ton  High  School. 

"My  journey  home  from  Port  Hudson  has  always 
seemed  to  me  like  a  dream.  I  had  been  suffering  in 
tensely  for  eight  days  with  intiamation  of  the  bowels  and 
had  made  up  my  mind  that  I  could  not  live  more  than 
forty  -eight  hours,  when  the  news  came  that  we  were  to 
start  for  home  at  nine  o'clock  the  next  day.  Those 
twelve  days  seemed  ages  and  when  I  reached  Concord,  I 
could  not  remember  of  having  closed  my  eyes  in  sleep 
during  the  entire  journey. 

"I  was  selected  as  unable  to  travel  after  reaching 
Yicksburg  and  ordered  to  be  left  at  the  floating  hospital, 
but  begged  off,  as  T  knew  that  my  only  hope  was  in  get 
ting  home  and  having  careful  nursing.  The  doctor 
urged  me  to  apply  for  a  pension,  after  I  had  recovered, 
telling  me  that  there  were  adhesions  which  would 
trouble  me,  but  T  have  never  received  any  pension  as  yet. 

Fourth  Corporal  George  Noyes,  born,  Atkinson,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862;  age,  44;  mustered 
out  August  20.  ISO;*;  P.  ().  address  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Corp'l  Thos.  Keniston,  born,  Woodbury,  Yt.; 
enlisted  Oct.  4,  1802;  age,  42;  appointed  acting  chaplain 
June  7,  1 863,  to  serve  in  absence  of  Chaplain  Manley;  mus 
tered  out  Aug.  20,1863;  P.O. address  New  Hampton,  N.H. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


iSi'jft/i    Corpora/  &i'/man  Jf.    *Z)imond. 

Sixth  Corporal  Oilman  H.  Dimond  was  born  in 
\Vest  Concord,  N.  H.,  March  31,  1844.  He  enlisted  Sep- 
rember  5,  1862,  as  a  private  in  Company  D,  Sixteenth 
Regiment,  and  was  appointed  corporal,  serving  the  full 
period  of  his  enlistment.  He  re-enlisted  August  29, 
1864,  in  a  company  of  unattached  Heavy  Artillery,  after 
wards  Company  E,  First  Regiment,  New  Hampshire 
Heavy  Artillery,  serving  in  the  Twenty-second  Army 
Corps  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  has  served  four 
terms  as  deputy  sheriff  for  Merriniack  County,  also  two 
years  as  a  member  of  the  city  government,  and  has  held 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  423 

other  local  offices.  He  is  a  member  of  Horace  Chase 
Lodge  No.  72,  F.  and  A.  M.  ;  also  a  member  of  Contoo- 
cook  Lodge  No.  26,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  at  Penacook,  and  is 
master  of  Penacook  Park  Grange  No.  184,  at  West  Con 
cord.  He  is  past  commander  of  Don  is  Post  No.  44, 
Department  of  New  Hampshire  G.  A.  R.  ;  is  a  farmer, 
and  resides  at  West  Concord,  N.  H. 

Seventh  Corporal  George  W.  Mills,  born,  Hopkin- 
ton,  H  II.;  enlisted  October  9,  1862;  age,  23;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 

Eighth  Corporal  Joel  dishing,  [Joel  A.  Cnshon  is 
the  name  given  in  Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Lyman,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  October  21,  1862;  age,  39  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Marlow,  N.  H. 

Musician  Otis  M.  Brown,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  October  3,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August 
20  ;  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Musician  Jacob  Whittier,  born,  Danville,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  October  14,  1862  ;  age,  42  ;  died  August  18,  1863, 
at  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 

Wagoner  Newlon  G.  Me  Alpine,  born,  Hopkinton,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  October  13,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  discharged  to 
date  August  20,  1863. 


PRIVATES. 

i  C.  Abbott,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862;  age,  18;  died  April  28,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 


424  HISTOTCY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 


-V--  • 


&fc/iaret  ?£/.   Jftten. 

Richard  W.  Allen  was  born  in  Woburn,  Mass.,  in 
the  year  1841.  Tn  his  letter  to  the  historian  he  reports 
that  lie  aided  in  recruiting  the  Fourteenth,  Fifteenth 
and  Sixteenth  regiments;  he,  enlisting  October  3,  1862, 
at  Newport,  N.  H.,  as  a  member  of  the  band.  He  served 
the  entire  period  of  enlistment  and  was  mustered  out 
with  the  regiment  at  Concord,  N.  H.  lie  was  engaged 
in  commercial  pursuits  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  until  1868, 
when  he  removed  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  engaging  in  real  es 
tate  and  brokerage  business  in  which  he  has  met  with 
success. 

Mr.  Allen  is  the  author  of  quite  an  entertaining  story 
of  his  service  with  the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  recently 
published  in  the  Indianapolis  Tribune  from  which  we 
have  quoted  an  account  of  two  expeditions  giving  him 
credit  for  the  same.  He  now  resides  at  Detroit,  Mich. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  425 

William  P.  Ames,  born,  Tarn  worth,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  16,  1802  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

Charles  B.  Ash,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  10,  1862;  age,  18;  died  February  15,  1863,  at 
New  Orleans,  La. 

Alvah  Atwood,  born,  Wilmot,  N.  II.;  enlisted  October 
18,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O. 
address  East  Concord,  N.  H. 

Charles  B.  Austin,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Lowell,  Mass. 

Josiah  M.  Bailey,  [Josiah  L.  Bailey  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Stanstead,  Canada;  enlisted 
October  21),  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  January  7,  1863. 

James  A.  Baker,  born,  Dtinbarton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  14,  1862  ;  age  25  ;  died  April  14,  1863,  at  Bra- 
si  i ear  City,  La. 

Jefferson  Barnes,  born,  Hoy al ton,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1803  ;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Joseph  R.  Boucher,  born,  Montreal,  Canada;  enlisted 
October  9,  1802  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Tiltoii,  N.  H. 

James  C.  Breed,  born,  Sharon,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1862;  age,  21  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863 ;  deceased. 


420  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 


iSamuot  *?/.    ^Broivn. 

Samuel  N.  Brown,  son  of  John  S.,  and  Sophie  C. 
[Drown]  Brown,  was  born  at  Bosrawen,  N.  II.,  July  17, 
1844.  Graduated  from  the  New  London  Literary  and 
Scientific  Institution  in  1.802.  Subsequent  to  liis  service 
in  the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  lie  enlisted  as  a  private  in 
Company  B,  Eighteenth  New  Hampshire,  September  9, 
1804,  and  was  mustered  in  September  14,  1804.  He  was 
promoted  to  quartermaster  sergeant  November  1,  1804, 
and  was  mustered  out  June  10,  180;5.  He  resides  at 
Penacook,  N.  11.,  and  is  at  present  register  of  deeds  for 
Merrimack  County,  having  filled  that  office  since  April 
1,  1893.  He  married  Lucy  P.  Kilbiirn  December  3,  18(>7, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Alice  Frances, 


TMEW    HAMPSHIKE    VOLUNTEERS.  427 

Bradford  M.  Burnham,  [Bradford  Burnham  2d  is 
name  given  in  Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  New  Gloucester, 
Me.  ;  enlisted  September  3,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  ().  address  Dunbarton,  N.  H. 

Reuben  D.  Buswell,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1862;  age,  37;  died  June  22,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Orrin  Chase,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  14,  1862;  age,  19  [20  in  Adj.  Gen's  report];  dis 
charged  to  date  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Contoo- 
cook,  N.  II. 

Dennis  Coakley,  born  Walpole,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  No 
vember  4,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  deserted  November  4,  1862. 


428  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


i&corgrc    <5\     CroivoM. 

George B.  Crowell  was  horn  at  Manchester  (by  the  Sea) 
Mass.,  September  29,  1834,  and  at  the  age  of  two  years 
was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Ilopkinton,  ]ST.  H.  He 
enlisted  in  Company  D,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served 
with  his  company  until  mustered  out.  Soon  afterwards 
he  removed  to  Brattleboro,  Vt.,  and  engaged  in  journalism 
becoming  the  owner  of  TJnj  ITomcxfrtnf .  He  has  been 
closely  identified  with  all  matters  of  public;  interest  in 
his  adopted  home,  and  has  by  liberality  and  business 
capacity  become  one  of  Vermont's  foremost  men.  He  is 
now  engaged  in  several  business  enterprises,  am]  is  presi- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  429 

dent  of  the  E.  P.  Carpenter  Company.  P.  O.  address 
Brattleboro,  Yt, 

George  B.  Cruinmett,  born,  Concord,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  17,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  228  Michigan  avenue,  Chicago,  111. 

George  A.  Currier,  born,  Uopkinton,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  3,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  died  August  20,  1863. 

George  H.  dishing,  [George  H.  Cushon,  in  Adj.  Gen's 
report]  born  Bosca  wen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October  21,  1862; 
age,  18;  discharged  for  disabilities  December  26,  1862, 
at  New  York  City;  P.  O.  address,  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Nathaniel  W.  Davis,  born,  London,  N.  H. ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862;  age,  19;  discharged  December  5, 
1862,  at  New  York  City. 

Charles  W.  Dimond,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  28,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Ira  K.  Dimond,  born  Concord,  N.  II.;  enlisted  October 
13,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20*  1863. 

Bbin  H.  Dustin,  born,  Uopkinton,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  10,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  May  6,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Alfred  Elliott,  horn,  Hoscawen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  July  20,  1893,  at  Penacook,  N.  PI. 

George  B.  Elliott,  born,  Concord,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  13,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address,  Penacook,  N.  H. 

HallF.Blliott,}nnn,  Concord,  N.  II.;  enlisted  October 
24,  1802;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  died 
August  30,  1863,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 


430  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

James  C.  Elliott,  Jr.,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  3,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  died  July  27,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

John  H.  Elliott,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  24,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  August  22,  1803,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

L,ewis  B.  Elliott,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  30,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  died  August  19,  1^03,  at  New 
York  City. 

Hanson  D.  Emerson,  born,  Hopkinton,N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  13,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Contoocook,  N.  H. 

Asa  Emery,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  October 
24,  1802  ;  age,  10  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  Taunton,  Mass, 


X E  W    HA  M  P  S  H I K E    V O L  U  X T E E K S . 


431 


J*£ndreu>   c5*.     ^arnum. 

Andrew  S.  Farnum  was  born  in  AYest  Concord,  N.  H., 
May  0,  1843,  and  was  reared  on  a  farm.  He  enlisted 
September  22,  1862,  in  Company  D,  Sixteenth  Regiment, 
and  served  the  full  period  of  enlistment.  He  removed 
to  East  Concord  in  1878  to  the  farm  on  which  he  now 
lives.  He  is  past  commander  of  Davis  Post  No.  44, 
Department  of  New  Hampshire  (T.  A.  K.  P.  O.  address 
East  Concord,  N.  H. 

Jonathan  Flanders,  Jr.,  born.  \Veare,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862 ;  age,  25;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1868  ;  died  November  10,  1864,  at  Henniker,  N.  II. 


482  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

William  H.  Flanders,  born,  Concord,  N.  TI.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  27;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803. 

Charles  I.  Hall,  born,  Concord,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  18(52;  age,  18;  died  July  29,  1803,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Joseph  F.  Healey,  born,  Dunbarton,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
October  20,  1802;  age,  24;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Concord,  N.  II. 


HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


433 


Samuot 


Jfotctcn. 


Samuel  B.  Holden,  of  Company  D,  was  born  in  West 
Concord,  N.  H.,  Februarys,  1845.  He  left  his  studies 
nt  the  New  Hampshire  Conference  Seminary  to  enlist  in 
the  Sixteenth,  and  served  its  full  term.  After  the  muster- 
ont  he  resumed  his  educational  course,  graduating  at 
Wesleyan  University  in  1869.  He  studied  law  with 
Minot,  Tappan  &  Mugridge,  of  Concord,  and  was  ad 
mitted  to  the  bar  in  drafton  county  in  18T"2.  He  formed 
a  law  partnership  with  Hon.  S.  K.  Mason,  of  Bristol; 
was  also  treasurer  of  Bristol  Savings  Bank  and  a  member 
of  the  manufacturing  firm  of  Holden  &  Co. 


434         HISTORY  OE  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 

lie  went  to  Napa,  Cal.,  in  1875,  where  lie  has  since 
been  extensively  engaged  in  manufacturing  and  tanning, 
being  president  of  the  Sawyer  Tanning  Company  and  of 
the  Napa  Woolen  Mill.  He  also  retained  an  interest  in 
and  is  a  director  of  the  Concord  Manufacturing  Com 
pany,  of  Penacook,  N.  H.  He  is  a  member  of  the  City 
Council  in  his  adopted  home. 

His  family  consists  of  a  wife  and  three  "native  sons  of 
the  Golden  West,1'  in  his  beautiful  Napa  home,  "  the 
land  of  sunshine,  fruit  and  flowers." 

Irving  A.  Hiird,  born,  Claremont,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Claremont,  N.  H. 

Vilas  B.  Irish,  born,  Colton,  N.  Y.  ;  enlisted  Novem 
ber  IS,  1862;  age,  18;  discharged  December  10,  1862,  at 
New  York  City. 

Benjamin  F.Johnson,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  13,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Los  Angeles,  Cal. 

Joseph  G.  Johnson,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  13,  1862;  age,  19;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Byron  fi.  Kempton,  born,  Croydon,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  3,  1862;  age,  18;  discharged  for  disabilities 
April  22,  1863,  at  Concord,  N.  H  ;  P.  O.  address  West 
Concord,  N.  H. 

Charles  N.  Kezer,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  8,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863;  died  November  7,  1891,  at  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS.  485 

Nelson  D.  Knight,  born,  Chester,  Vt.  ;  enlisted 
October  23,  1802;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 

Charles  W.  Lang,  born,  Concord,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September^,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20.  1863. 

William  D.  Lock,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  13,  1862;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  London,  N.  H. 

Patrick  McCarthy,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  November 
4,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  deserted  Nov.  6,  1862,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

George  McKenzie,  born,  Glasgow,  Scotland  ;  enlisted 
October  20,  1862  ;  age,  30 ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address,  Minneapolis,  Kans. 

James  O.  Merrill,  born,  Canterbury,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  3,  1862;  age,  40;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address,  Chichester,  N.  H. 

James  F.  Mills,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  9,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  deserted  November  20,  1862  ; 
apprehended  ;  transferee!  to  Company  D,  14th  N.  H.  V., 
to  serve  unexpired  term  of  enlistment  ;  died  June  29, 
1864,  at  Natchez,  Miss. 

Jacob  M.  Morrill,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H;  enlisted 
October  6  1862;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  October  19,  1896,  at  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 

Henry  E.  Moulton,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  3,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  died  May  14,  1863,  at  Butte  <i 
la  Rose,  La. 

Gerald  Perkins,  [  Jerauld  Perkins  is  the  name  given 
in  Adj.  den's  report]  born  Framingham,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  deserted  November  1,  1862, 
at  Concord,  N.  H. 


436 


HISTOTCY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH 


C.   t7*owc//. 

Alvin  C.  Powell  was  born  in  Concord,  N.  H.,  July  1, 
1839.  He  enlisted  September  15,  1862,  in  Company  D, 
Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served  the  full  term  of  enlist 
ment.  He  was  with  that  portion  of  the  regiment  detailed 
for  duty  on  the  gunboats,  and  participated  in  the  attack 
on  and  capture  of  Fort  Burton  at  Butte  a  la  Rose,  La. 
Since  the  war  he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  business 
as  a  builder  and  painter.  Is  Past  Commander  of  Davis 
Post  No.  44,  Department  of  New  Hampshire,  G.  A.  II., 
and  resides  at  West  Concord,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


437 


<Sj//i>estor  Jf.    ^OUH?//. 

Sylvester  H.  Powell  was  born  in  Concord,  N.  H., 
December  4,  1845.  He  enlisted  September  13,  1862, 
in  Company  D,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served  the 
full  period  of  enlistment.  He  weighed  but  ninety-six 
pounds  when  mustered  out  August  20,  1803.  He  was 
on  the  gunboat  Calltoun,  and  participated  in  the  attack 
on  and  capture  of  Fort  Burton,  Butte  a  la  Rose,  La., 
being  one  of  the  first  to  enter  the  Fort  after  its  surrender. 
He  is  a  member  of  Fred.  Smith  Post,  No.  10,  Depart 
ment  of  New  Hampshire  G.  A.  R.  He  has  resided  in 
Sunapee,  N.  H.,  since  1864. 


438  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Parkhnrst  D.  Quimby,  [Parchust  D.  Quimby  is  the 
name  in  Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlis 
ted  October  29,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  March  21,  1877,  in  California. 

Edward  G.  Runnells,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.;  enlis 
ted  October  6,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 

David  W.  Sargent,  born,  Thornton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  September  11,  1863,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

Francis  B.  Scribner,  born,  Salisbury,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  13,  1862;  age,  27;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Joseph  I.  Shallies,  [Shallis  is  name  given  in  Adj. 
Gen's  Report]  born,  Lebanon,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  October 
18,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

George  W.  Shepard,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  26,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  died  June  2,  1863, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Albert  H.  Smart,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  6,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  appointed  corporal ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  103  E.  Maurnee 
street,  Adrian,  Mich. 

David  Stevens,  born,  London,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Novem 
ber  1,  1862;  age,  44;  died  May  13,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Hiram  Stevens,  born,  London,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  5,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  deserted  March  13,  1863,  at 
New  York  City. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


430 


SVuSus  7?. 

Rufus  N.  Tilton,  son  of  Rev.  Rufus  Tilton,  was  born 
in  Sandown,  N.  H.,  January  18,  1840.  He  enlisted  at 
Northfield,  N.  H., while  a  student  in  the  New  Hampshire 
Conference  Seminary,  joined  Company  T),  Sixteenth 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers  by  transfer  from  the  Fif 
teenth  Regiment  and  was  assigned  to  duty  as  ward- 
master  in  the  regimental  hospital.  He  was  prostrated 
with  fever  three  months  in  Louisiana,  but  so  far- 
recovered  as  to  rejoin  his  regiment  en  route  to  Port  Hud 
son  and  serve  with  it  until  mustered  out,  taking  charge 
of  and  caring  for  the  sick  during  the  journey  home. 


440  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

He  was  appointed  a  clerk  of  Class  1,  in  the  office  of 
the  Second  Comptroller  of  the  Treasury, Washington,  I). 
C.,  in  July,  186f>,  where  he  remained  until  October  1, 
181)4,  when  the  office  was  abolished  by  the  Act  of  July 
31,  1894,  having  risen  through  the  various  grades  to  the 
highest  in  the  classified  service. 

He  graduated  at  the  National  Tniversy  Law  School 
and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  District  of  Columbia  May  22,  1872. 

When  the  office  of  Second  Comptroller  was  abolished, 
he  was  assigned  to  duty  in  the  office  of  the  Comptroller 
of  the  Treasury,  where  he  is  now  employed  preparing 
decisions  in  cases  of  appeal,  construction  of  new  laws, 
etc.,  in  matters  relating  to  claims  and  accounts  for  pay, 
bounty  arid  other  allowances  of  the  army.  His  P.  (). 
address  is  220  Second  street  northeast,  Washington,  I).  C. 

William  H.  Upton,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.  ;  en 
listed  September  20,  1862;  age,  20;  died  February  18, 
1868,  at  Carrollton,  La. 

Daniel  B.  Webster,  born,  Weston,  Vt.  ;  enlisted  No 
vember  13,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  April  27,  1863,  at  Brashear 
City,  La. 

Brackett  B.  Weeks,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
October  9,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  died  June  10,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Cogswell  N.  Weeks,  [N.  Cogswell  Weeks  is  the  name 
given  in  Adj.  Uen's  report  |  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  II.  ;  en 
listed  October  13,  1862;  age,  24:  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863;  P.  O.  address,  Concord,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS, 


441 


1/oiiis  Augustus  Woodhury,  M.  D.,  (froveland,  Mass., 
was  born  October  1,  1844,  at  Salem,  N  H.  ;  He  is  the 
son  of  Washington  and  Dolly  Head  (Jones)  Woodbnry 
and  a  grandson  of  Luke  Woodbnry,  who  was  a  lieuten 
ant  in  the  Continental  Army  and  a  descendant  of  John 
\Voodl)iiry,  the  Old  Planter,  who  was  one  of  the  first 
settlers  of  Salem,  Mass.  He  is  the  great  grandson  of 
(fen.  Nathaniel  Head  of  Pembroke,  N.  II.,  who  was  a 
captain  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  He  is  descended 
on  his  mothers  side  from  Arthur  Head,  who  settled  in 
New  Castle,  N.  H.,  before  1070. 


442  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  Concord,  the  family  having  moved  there  in 
1845.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  enlisted  in  Company 
D,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served  until  the  muster  out. 
After  his  discharge  at  Concord  he  went  to  Washington, 
I).  C.,  and  for  a  time  was  employed  by  the  Government 
as  Forage  Master. 

After  returning  home  he  began  the  study  of  medicine 
and  graduated  from  the  Harvard  "University  Medical 
School  February  14,  1872,  and  soon  after  settled  in  Grove- 
land,  beginning  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  which 
he  is  still  actively  engaged. 

Dr.  AVoodbury  is  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts 
Medical  Society  and  of  the  Haverhill  Massachusetts 
Medical  Club  and  is  Post  Surgeon,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic.  He  is  U.  S.  Examining  Surgeon  for  Pensions, 
a  member  of  the  Sons  of  the  American  Revolution,  pres 
ident  of  the  Village  Improvement  Society,  a  trustee  of 
the  Public  Library  and  a  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Pie  is  a 
member  of  the  New  England  Historic  Genealogical 
Society  and  of  the  Essex  Institute.  He  is  also  a  mem 
ber  of  the  Doric  Lodge  F.  and  A.  M.,  Tilton,  N.  IT.;  has 
been  a  member  of  Union  Chapter,  Royal  Arch  Masons 
of  Laconia  for  thirty  years  and  a  Knight  Templar  of 
Haverhill  Commandery  of  which  he  has  been  Prelate  and 
Generalissimo. 

Dr.  AVoodbury  has  contributed  several  papers  to  the 
Medical  Societies  of  which  he  is  a  member  and  has  done 
considerable  historical  and  genealogical  work.  Among 
his  papers  and  published  works  are,  "A  Contribution  to 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLFNTEEKS.  443 

the  Early  History  of  Medicine  in  Haverhill,  Mass.," 
"Inscriptions  from  the  Old  Cemetery  in  Groveland," 
"Early  Ministers  of  Bradford,"  "An  Historical  Sketch 
of  Bradford  in  the  Revolution.11 

Dr.  Woodbury  lias  been  twice  married,  first  to  Alice 
C.  Stan  wood,  who  died  in  1889,  second  to  Helen  Ney 
Robinson  of  Portsmouth,  N.  II. 

Will  him  H.  Weeks,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ;  en 
listed  October  0,  1862;  age,  21;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address,  (loffstown,  N.  H. 

Charles  Wilson,  born,  Barnet,  Yt.  ;  enlisted  August 
6,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 


ROSTER   OF    COMPANY    E 


Captain  Jonathan  £7*.   Sanborn. 

Captain  Jonathan  P.  Sanborn,  born,  Sanborton,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  October  10,  1862  ;  age,  48  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  died  June  1,  1880,  at  Franklin  Falls, 

N.  H. 

First  Lieutenant  David  E.  Burhank,  son  of  Abraham 
and  Polly  M.  Bui-bank,  was  born  in  Boscawen,  N.  H., 
May  16,  1822.  He  lived  with  his  parents  on  the  old 
homestead,  engaged  in  the  farming  and  lumbering  busi 
ness  until  twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  married 
Mary  M.  Elliott,  of  Canterbury,  N.  H.,  daughter  of  Jer- 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS. 


445 


iy^Mpp      •r<$j»f3Kk 


^irst  ^f'ouf.    *Dauic/  £.    S&urban/c. 

emiah  C.  Elliott.  He  continued  in  the  lumber  business 
for  his  father  until  1851,  when  he  was  sei/ed  with  a  vio 
lent  attack  of  the  gold  fever,  which  was  raging  in  those 
parts,  and  left/  for  California  in  January  of  that  year. 
He  returned  home  in  December,  1852.  Soon  after  he 
bought  out  a  country  store  at  Sweat t\s  Mills,  a  village  in 
the  westerly  part  of  Boscawen,  and  commenced  business 
in  the  mercantile  line. 

He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Boscawen  Light 
Infantry  from  eighteen  years  of  age  up  to  1850,  at  which 
l^ime  the  militia  system  was  disbanded. 


446  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

He  was  chosen  town  clerk  in  1858,  and  served  in  that 
capacity  until  the  division  of  the  town  in  1860,  the  west 
part,  in  which  he  lived,  taking  the  name  of  Webster. 
He  was  chosen  town  clerk  of  Webster  at  its  first  meet 
ing  for  organization,  and  continued  in  that  office  until 
the  fall  of  1862,  when  he  resigned  the  office  to  enter  the 
Army  of  the  Union. 

He  enlisted  Webster's  quota  of  seventeen  men  under 
the  call  of  the  President  for  300,000  men  for  nine  months. 
He  took  his  men  into  camp  at  Concord  and  with  them 
helped  to  form  Company  E,  Sixteenth  Regiment.  He 
was  commissioned  first  lieutenant  of  Company  E,  Novem 
ber  4,  1862.  He  commanded  Company  I  at  the  invest 
ment  and  capture  of  Fort  Burton.  He,  with  nearly  all 
the  regiment,  Avas  prostrated  by  sickness  at  that  place. 
Being  physically  unable  to  perform  the  arduous  duties 
required  at  the  fort,  he  was  detailed  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Fuller  commanding,  to  return  to  Berwick's  Bay 
and  take  charge  of  the  convalescent  camp  at  that  place. 
He  remained  there  until  the  camp  was  broken  up,  those 
who  were  able  returned  to  the  regiment,  while  the  re 
mainder  were  sent  to  the  hospitals  at  New  Orleans.  Tn 
a  few  days  he  followed  the  sick  to  New  Orleans.  He 
went  into  a  hospital,  but  not  liking  the  looks  of  things 
left,  and  with  the  assistance  of  Lieutenant  Modica  found 
accommodations  in  a  private  family.  Stayed  there  for 
a  few  weeks  and  then  went  with  others  to  a  Mrs.  Homer's, 
where  he  remained  until  he  resigned. 

The  post  physician  could  give  him  no  hope  of  recovery 
in  that  climate  and  advised  his  early  return  north  as  his. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  447 

only  chance  for  recovery.  He  accordingly  resigned  his 
commission  July  18,  1863,  and  took  steamer  for  New 
York  and  thence  by  rail  home.  He  arrived  home  a  mere 
wreck  of  his  former  self.  From  a  sturdy  man  of  two 
hundred  pounds  when  leaving  for  the  front,  he  returned 
a,  mere  skeleton.  Was  many  months  in  recovering  his 
health  sufficiently  to  perform  manual  labor. 

In  1867  he  moved  to  Norwich,  Vt.,  where  he  engaged 
in  milling.  He  was  a  charter  member  of  Post  56,  (I.  A. 
R.,  at  Hanover,  N.  H.,  and  was  elected  S.  Y.  Com.  at  its 
first  meeting.  He  was  afterwards  chosen  post  commander, 
which  position  he  held  for  ten  consecutive  years,  with  a 
single  exception.  He  still  remains  an  honored  member 
in  good  standing. 

He  was  active  in  the  formation  of  the  Sixteenth  Regi 
ment  New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Association,  and  always 
made  it  a  point  to  attend  its  annual  gatherings  at  The 
Weirs,  unless  ill  health  has  prevented.  He  gave  liberally 
towards  the  erection  of  regimental  headquarters. 

In  1894  he  removed  to  Boston,  Mass.,  where  he  is  con 
nected  officially  with  a  school-publishing  house.  He 
still  lives  in  Boston,  a  well-preserved,  u  old  young  man" 
of  seventy-five  years,  and  none  of  us  will  challenge  the 
assertion  that  his  heart  is  as  patriotic,  his  love  for  the 
comrades  of  the  Sixteenth,  and  the  Old  Flag  as  fervent 
and  strong  as  in  the  days  of  the  great  rebellion. 

Second  Lieutenant  Prescott  Jones,  born,Wilmot,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  September  2,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  died  January 
11,  1863,  at  Carrollton,  La. 


448  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

First  Sergeant  Calvin  Sanborn,  born,  Andover,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  September  18,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  1863;  died  September  2,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Second  Sergeant  John  B.  Chase,  born,  Henniker,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Webster,  N.  H. 

Third  Sergeant  Benjamin  Gale,  born,  Fairfax,  Yt.  ; 
enlisted  September  2,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  NortMeld,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Moses  K.  Smith,  born,  Sanbornton. 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  16,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Belmont,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Sergeant  William  A.  Gile,  born,  Northfield, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  13,  1862;  age,  19;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863,  as  private  ;  P.  O.  address  Worces 
ter,  Mass. 

First  Corporal  Alonzo  D.  Davenport,  born,  Chelsea, 
Yt.;  enlisted  September,  3,  1862;  age  26;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Franklin  Falls,  N.  H. 

Second  Corporal  Joseph  B.  Thnrber,  born,  Hopkin- 
ton,  N.  H.;  enlisted  September  11,  1862;  age  28  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Webster,  N.  H. 

Third  Corporal  Minot  Stearns,  born,  Wilmot,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  8,  1862;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803,  as  a  private;  P.  O.  address  Wilmot,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Corporal  Hiram  Colby,  born,  Franklin,  N. 
H.  ;  enlisted  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  30;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Franklin,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  449 

Fifth  Corporal  George  P.  Smith,  born,  Salisbury. 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  2,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863;  died  July  14,  1890,  at  Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Sixth  Corporal  Enoch  B.  Hancock,  born.  Franklin, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  12,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  appointed 
sergeant ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address 
Reno,  Nev. 

Seventh  Corporal  William  P.  Kinsman,  born,  Frank 
lin,  Yt.;  enlisted  August  28,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Myrtle  Point,  Oreg, 


4;")0  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEEXTH    REOIMKXT 


:  ,;«&  u; 


Eighth  Corporal  louden  M.  Kilburn,  of  Company  E, 
Sixteenth  Regiment,  was  born  in  Boscawen  [now  Web 
ster],  N.  IT.,  January  20,  1842.  He  was  descended  from 
revolutionary  stock,  his  paternal  grandfather,  Eliphalet 
Kilburn,  having  been  a  Newburyport  minuteman,  who 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  as  well  as  in  sev 
eral  other  engagements  of  the  war,  including  the  buttles 
of  Saratoga  and  Still  water. 

Tlis  maternal  grandsire,  Colonel  Asa  Foster,  at  that 
time  a  lad  of  fifteen,  was  also  in  the  patriot  army  in  its 
darkest  days.  Corporal  Kilburn  left  his  studies  at  Elm- 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  451 

wood  Institute,  Boscawen,  to  enlist  in  Company  E,  and 
was  elected  corporal,  as  were  the  rest  of  the  officers,  by 
vote  of  the  comjxmy.  His  health  was  much  impaired  by 
the  service,  from  which  he  did  not  recover  for  some  time. 

He  removed  to  Massachusetts  in  1866  and  to  Iowa  in 
1868,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  has  seen  his 
adopted  state,  he  says,  "develop  from  a  wild  prairie, 
sparsely  settled,  to  a  magnificent  commonwealth,  with 
all  the  advantages  incident  to  the  civilization  of  the 
times,  and  whose  future  destiny  is  but  dimly  fore 
shadowed  by  the  wonderful  progress  of  the  last  quarter 
of  a  century." 

In  this  progress  he  has  taken  such  part  as  a  sturdy 
Yankee,  born  on  the  rocky  soil  of  New  Hampshire  and 
reared  amid  the  scenes  where  economy  might  be  ex 
pected  to  have  taken.  ikThe  New  England  Yankee 
rarely  fails  to  impress  his  individuality  to  some  extent 
upon  the  plastic  material  out  of  which  new  states  are 
moulded,  and  Iowa  has  largely  been  shaped  in  regard  to 
its  laws,  customs  and  beliefs  by  the  best  influence  New 
England  could  impart." 

Corporal  Kilburn  has  held  different  positions  of  pub 
lic  trust,  and  in  1893  was  elected  to  the  Iowa  State  Sen 
ate  and  re-elected  in  1895.  He  is  now  serving  his  second 
term.  He  married  Lizzie  II.  Feet,  daughter  of  Rev.  J. 
R.  Feet,  formerly  of  Massachusetts,  and  has  three 
children  living,  Charles  W.,  George  G.  and  Mary  L.  Kil 
burn.  His  place  of  residence  is  Fontanelle,  Adair 
County,  Iowa. 


452  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Musician  Frederick    W.  Ballon,  born,    Alexandria, 

N.  H.  ;  enlisted  August  28,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  February  20,  1892,  at  Salisbury, 
N.  H. 

Musician  John  W.  Piper,  born,  Franklin,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age  89;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  October  29,  1885,  in  Florida. 

Wagoner  George  Green,  born,  Franklin,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  Se})tember  12,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Lawrence,  Mass. 

PRIVATES. 

Paul  S.  Adams,  born,  Berwick,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  appointed  Hospital  Steward 
November  22,  1862  ;  discharged  for  disabilities  July  2, 
1863  ;  died  October  21,  1886,  at  Newport  N.  H. 

George  E.  Allen,  born.  Westbrook,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  23,  1862  ;  age,  32  ;  deserted  December  6,  1862, 
at  New  York  City. 

Edmund  W.  Atkinson,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  2,  1862;  age,  19;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Boscawen,  N.  H. 

Jesse  H.  Bennett,  born,  Hill,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862;  age,  30;  died  August  19,  1863,  at 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

Meshach  W.  Blaisdell,  born,  Salisbury,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  4,  1802;  age,  19;  died  August  20, 
1803,  at  Mound  City,  111. 

James  L,.  Boyce,  born,  New  Ipswich,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
November  21,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  Aug.  20,  1863. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  453 

Ezekiel  W.  Burbank,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  died  May  27,  1863,  at  Bra- 
shear  City,  La. 

Harvey  H.  Carter,  born,  Lebanon,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  8,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  25  Main  street,  Holyoke,  Mass. 

Ammon  T.  Cate,  born,  Cambridge,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862  ;  age,  36  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  August  2,  1879,  at  Franklin,  N.  H. 

Daniel  T.  Cate,  born,  Franklin,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
August  28,  1862 ;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Laconia,  N.  H. 

George  C.  Chase,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Webster,  N.  H. 

George  Coffin,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  July  27,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Charles  Colby,  born,  Solon,  Me.  ;  enlisted  September 
8,  1862;  age,  18;  died  July  20,  1863,  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

Moses  Colby,  born,  Solon,  Me.  ;  enlisted  September 
24,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O. 
address  West  Salisbury,  N.  H. 

Edward  D.  Coinings,  born,  Norwich,  Vt.  ;  enlisted 
September  8,  1862;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  644  Rialto  Building,  Chicago,  111. 

Solomon  Cook,  born,  Ireland;  enlisted  September  12, 
1862;  age,  36;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  died 
March  14,  1886,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 


454  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

George  H.  Corliss,  born,  Manchester,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  11,  1862;  age,  18;  died  August  15,  1808,  tit 
Mound  City,  111. 

Truman  Cutting,  born,  Newport,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862;  age,  21;  mustered  out  Aug.  20,  1863. 

Ferdinand  N.  Dagsberg,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  en 
listed  November  3,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  East  Pepperell,  Mass. 

Lewis  M.  Davis,  born,  Franklin,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

William  R.  Dimond,  born,  Salisbury,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Newton  Lower  Falls,  Mass. 

James  H.  Dowse,  born,  Columbia,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  12,  1862;  age,  28;  died  August  15,  1863,  at 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Spencer  S.  Dowse,  born,  Thetford,  Vt.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  37  ;  died  June  7,  1863,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Elden  Eastman,  born,  Conway,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Isaac  C.  Evans,  born,  Fryeburgh,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  December  31,  1888,  at  Boston,  Mass. 

Hollis  W.  Fairbanks,  Jr.,  born,  Andover,  Mass.;  en 
listed  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863. 

Daniel  P.  Flanders,  born,  Waruer,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  44;  died  June  14,  1863,  at 
Brashear  Citv,  La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  455 

Benjamin  L.  Frazier,  [Ben.  L.  Frasuer  is  the  name 
given  in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Salisbury.  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  November  11,  1862;  age,  21;  mustered  out. 
August  20,  1868;  P.  ().  address  Salisbury,  N.  H. 

Albert  A.  G.  French,  born,  Bristol,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  11,  1862;  age,  18;  died  July  1,  1863,  at 
White's  Plantation,  near  Port  Hudson,  La. 

Henry  P.  Gardner,  born,  Bradford,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  18,  1862;  age, 28;  mustered  out  August  20,1868. 

Henry  C.  George,  born,  Canaan,  N.  11.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  9,  1862  ;  age,  18;  died  July  29,  1868,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


I  Jfc  <fev  fe 


panics    £.    &trrris/i, 

J.  L,.  Gerrish,  of  Webster,  New  Hampshire,  is  of 
Revolutionary  stock,  as  his  great-grandfather  was  lieu 
tenant-colonel  of  Stickney's  Brigade  and  was  present  at 
the  surrender  of  Burgoyne.  He  was  born  on  the  farm, 
where  he  now  resides,  May  11,  1888.  He  attended 
school  at  Hopkinton,  Reed's  Ferry  and  Boscawen. 
Enlisted  as  private  in  Company  E,  Sixteenth  Regiment, 
and  was  promoted  as  corporal.  He  was  present  at  the 
taking  of  Fort  Burton,  and  at  the  feint  on  Port  Hudson 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  457 

the  night  of  March  14,  1863.  He  was  broken  down  on 
that  muddy  march  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  time 
in  different  hospitals,  until  the  regiment  was  ordered 
home. 

Since  his  discharge  he  has  been  on  the  farm.  He  has 
traveled  in  this  and  other  New  England  States  writing 
up  farms  and  reporting  agricultural  fairs  and  institutes. 
He  is  on  the  Board  of  Agriculture  and  a  member  of  the 
Dairymen's  Association,  being  secretary  of  the  latter  for 
the  past  eleven  years.  He  is  Justice  of  ihe  Peace,  a 
member  of  the  Congregational  Church,  a  Sabbath  School 
teacher,  having  led  the  choir  for  several  years.  He  has 
taken  all  the  degrees  in  the  Grange  and  has  served  as 
lecturer  in  PaiVl  Webster  Grange  No.  100,  and  in  Merri- 
mack  County  Pomona  Grange.  Tie  is  a  member  of  \Vm. 
T.  Brown  Post  G.  A.  II.,  and  has  held  various  offices  in 
town,  having  been  selectman  three  years,  and  represen 
tative  in  1883. 

He  has  been  twice  married,  first  to  Sarah  B.  Chandler 
of  Penacook,  by  whom  he  has  two  children  living.  She 
died  June  8,  1892.  January  9,  1894,  he  married  Mrs. 
Mary  S.  Kenevel  of  Fort  Scott,  Kans. 


458  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Prank  A.  Gile,  born,  Franklin,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  8,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;'  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  East  Orange,  N.  J. 

Albeon  G.  Goodrich,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
October  23,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Charles  If.  Heath,  born,  Westboro,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862;  age,  25;  died  August  10,  1863,  at 
Salisbury,  N.  H. 

fivan  M.  Heath,  born,  Graf  ton,  N.  II .  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1862  ;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  West  Salisbury,  N.  H. 

Harrison  V.  Heath,  born,  Salisbury,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Salisbury  Heights,  N.  H. 

Harrison  A.Jack,  born,  Chester,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  10,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 

Jesse  M.  Jackman,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  40;  died  April  25,  1863,  at 
Bra  shear  City,  La. 

Willard  W.  Tones,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  10,  1862;  age,  39;  died  August  3,  1863,  en 
route  to  New  Hampshire,  between  Natchez  and  Vicks- 
burg,  Miss. 

William  H.  Keyser,  born,  Franklin,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

William  C.  Harden,  born,  Northtield,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  28;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Boscawen,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  459 

El ija h  R.  Messer,  born,  Vermont  ;  enlisted  September 
8,  1862;  age,  24;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1868; 
died  September  1,  1863,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 

Jeremiah  P.  Morey,  born,  'Wilmot,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863;  died  August  30,  1863,  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Charles  C.  Morrison,  born,  Franklin,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862;  age,  20;  died  May  27,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Tristram  8.  Page,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862;  age,  38;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  June  6,  1885. 

Frank  Perkins,  born,  Wilmot,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October 
13,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  died  July  24,  1863,  at  Port  Hudson,  La. 

David  W.  Pervare,  born,  Yershire,  Yt. ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862;  age,  27;  died  August  13,  1863,  at  Mat- 
toon,  111. 

John  W.  Philhrick,  born,  Bartlett,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  2,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
killed  July  4,  1864,  at  Petersburg,  Ya. 

James  T.  Pike,  born,  South  Newmarket,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  November  12,  1862  ;  age  21  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  ().  address,  Newtields,  N.  H. 

Thomas  B.  Russell,  born,  [place  not  given]  ;  enlisted 
November  12,  1862;  age,  36;  died  August  20,  1863,  at 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

Russell  Sanborn,  born,  [place  not  given]  ;  enlisted 
November  10,  1862  ;  age  not  known  ;  deserted  November 
H)?  J862,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 


460  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Frank  Santy,  born,  Canada  ;  enlisted  November  6, 
1802;  age,  18;  died  July  7,  1863,  at  Port  Hudson,  La. 

Isaac  P.  Sargent,  born,  llenniker,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
September  9,  1862  ;  age,  35  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  February  10,  1889,  at  Penacook,  N.  H. 

Peter  R.  Shepard,  born,  Canterbury,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  4,  1862;  age,  24;  appointed  corporal;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  September  5,  1863,  at 
Boscawen,  N.  II. 

George  W.  Smart,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
October  4,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Horace  Smart,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October 
4,  1862;  age,  28;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O. 
address  AVest  Concord,  N.  II. 

David  D.  Smith,  born,  New  York  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1862;  age,  23;  appointed  commissary  sergeant ; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  1629  Wal 
nut  street,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Warren  A.  Story,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  August  21,  1863,  at  Concord  N.  II. 

Joseph  Thompson,  born  Franklin,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862  ;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

Luther  C.  Titcomh,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  32;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1S03  ;  P.  O.  address,  Webster,  N.  II. 

l/iicien  ft.  Upton,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  11,  1862;  age,  24;  died  June  15,  1863,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  461 

Samuel  W.  Wai  den,  born,  [place  not  known]  enlisted 
October  22,  1802  ;  age,  81  ;  transferee!  to  Company  K 
November  22,  1802  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1808  ; 
died  August  28,  1808,  at  Memphis,  Tenri. 

Charles  C.  Webber,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.1I.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1802;  age,  24;  mustered  out  August  20. 
1863. 

David  J.  Whittier,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802;  age,  82;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Concord,  N.  II. 

True  P.  Whittier,  born,  Concord,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  28,  1802  ;  age,  40  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1808. 

John  F.  Woodsum,  born,  Saco,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  28,  180)2;  age,  20;  transferee!  to  Company  K 
November  22,  1802  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808. 

Daniel  R.  Woodward,  born,  Salisbury,  N.  11.;  en 
listed  September  12,  1802;  age,  21);  discharged  .for  dis 
abilities  April  27,  180.8;  P.  O.  address  Franklin.  N.  11. 


ROSTER    OF    COMPANY     F 


Captain   C/iar/cs  Jf.    Woods. 

Captain  Charles  H.  Woods,  son  of  Rev.  John  Woods, 
of  Newport,  N.  H.,  was  born  October  8,  1886.  His  edu 
cation  was  academic,  graduating  at  fct>  Kimball  Union'' 
in  the  class  of  '56.  He  studied  law  with  Burke  &•  Wait, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  February,  18()2.  He  mar 
ried  Carrie  C.  Rice,  of  Hrooktield,  Vt.,  September  22, 
1862.  He  was  commissioned  captain  of  Company  F, 
Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  commanded  bis  company  until 
mustered  out.  August  2<>,  I8(»;>.  Subsequently  he  was  a 
clerk  in  the  paymaster  general's  office  and  special  agent 
of  the  United  States  Treasury  Department,  on  duty  in 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  463 

North  Carolina.  In  July,  1866,  he  settled  in  Minneap 
olis,  Minn.,  where  be  Las  won  honorable  distinction  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession.  Captain  Woods  has 
always  refused  to  participate  in  either  prosecution  or 
defense  of  any  person  accused  of  crime.  He  is  senior 
member  of  the  well-known  In  w  firm  of  Woods,  Kingman 
&  Wallace. 


404 


[STORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


, 


o. 


first  Lieutenant  Edgar  B.  Adams  was  born  in  Bruns 
wick,  Maine,  February  0,  1848.  Fie  was  the  son  of  Her. 
Panl  S.  Adams,  of  Newport,  N.  II.,  who  was  the  hos 
pital  steward  of  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  Regiment. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Com 
pany  C,  Second  Vermont  Infantry,  in  Brat  tleboro,  Vt., 
May  1,  1801,  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  II<1  was  in  the  lirst 
Bull  Run  light,  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown,  and  in  the 
Seven  days'  tight.  He  was  captured  at  Savage  Station, 
Ya.,  June  !>(),  1802.  He  was  paroled  from  Belle  Isle 
August  8,  1862,  and  discharged  at  Point  Lookout,  Md., 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS  465 

October  30,  1802.  He  was  commissioned  first  lieutenant 
Company  F,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  November  14,  1862,  to 
August  20,  1863;  captain  of  the  Seventy-fifth  U.  S.  C. 
Infantry  September  23,  1863,  to  November  10,  1864,  and 
major  of  the  Seventy-third  U.  S.  C.  Infantry,  November 
1 1 ,  1864.  He  was  wounded  at  Mobile,  Ala.,  April  2,  1 860. 
He  was  brevetted  lieutenant-colonel  United  States  volun 
teers  from  that  date  and  was  honorably  discharged 
October  24,  1865,  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  and  has  since  re 
sided  there. 

He  is  a  member  of  Post  No.  10,  G.  A.  R.,  Newport, 
N.  H. 

Second  lieutenant  John  S.  Baker,  enlisted  October 
9,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  March  17,  1863,  at  Carrollton,  La. 


4()()  HISTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


^trst  <Sere/reant  Barnes    ttigre/oiv  ^errt/. 

First  Sergeant  James  Bigelow  Perry  was  born  at 
Rindge,  N.  H.,  August  13,  1837.  His  father,  Colonel 
Jason  B.  Perry,  was  prominent  in  all  public  affairs. 
His  mother,  Sally  Wilson,  was  a  descendant  of  Supply 
Wilson,  who  was  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  Ser 
geant  Perry  attended  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
town  ;  also  the  Appleton  Academy,  New  Ipswich,  N.  H. 
Prior  to  his  enlistment  he  was  a  successful  teacher  in 
Rindge,  Jatt'rey  and  Mason  Village,  N.  H.;  also  in  Town 
send  and  Shirley,  Mass.  He  resigned  his  position  as 
principal  of  the  school  at  Mason  Village  to  enlist  in  the 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  467 

Sixteenth  Regiment.  He  served  with  the  regiment  until 
its  muster  out.  He  then  went  to  McHenry,  111.,  and  took 
charge  of  the  public  school  there  for  a  year,  and  then 
embarked  in  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  profitably 
followed  for  more  than  twenty-five  years.  He  is  now 
engaged  in  the  banking  business.  In  politics  Mr.  Perry 
is  a  radical  Republican,  but  lives  in  a  town  which,  until 
recently,  has  been  in  the  habit  of  giving  a  large  Demo 
cratic  majority.  As  an  evidence  of  the  regard  in  which 
he  is  held  by  his  fellow  townsmen,  it  can  be  said  that 
having  been  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  jus 
tice  of  the  peace  (a  responsible  office  in  Illinois)  he  was 
re-elected  by  a  vote  of  four  or  five  hundred,  with  but  one 
vote  against  him.  Mr.  Perry  served  four  years  as  county 
treasurer  of  McHenry  County,  111. 

He  married,  August  2o,  1867,  Arlette  Tuttle,  a  native 
of  Illinois.  They  have  four  children,  Howard  Rand, 
who  graduated  at  West  Point,  in  the  class  of  1893,  and 
is  now  a  lieutenant  in  the  Seventeenth  Regiment,  U.  S. 
A.  His  youngest  son  is  a  student  at  the  Northwestern 
College  of  Law.  His  two  daughters  are  pursuing  a 
course  of  liberal  education. 

Second  Sergeant  Thomas  A.  Gilmore,  born,  Goshen, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  12,  1862;  age,  39;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863. 

Third  Sergeant  Edward  P.  Philips,  born,  Fitzwil- 
liam,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  1,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mus 
tered  out  Augusc  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Ogdensburg, 
N.  Y. 


408  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Fourth  Sergeant  Charles  P.  Emery,  born,  Jaffrey, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Orange,  Mass. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Edward  S.  Chatterton,  [Edwin  S. 
Chatterton  in  Adj.  Gen's  report]  born  Acwortb,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  15,  1802  ;  age,  81  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1808;  P.  O.  address  Acworth,  N.  H. 

First  Corporal  Jeremiah  W.  Ladd,  born,  Saint  Lam 
bert,  Canada  ;  enlisted  November  1,  1802  ;  age,  88  ;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Newport,  N.  H. 

Second  Corporal  George  H.  Sears,  born,  Leroy,  N. 
Y.  ;  enlisted  September  18,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Ilillsboro  Upper  Village, 
N.  H. 

Third  Corporal  Thomas  J.  Rogers,  born,  Goshen,  N. 
II.  ;  enlisted  September  1T),  1802;  age,  25;  discharged 
January  0,  1808,  at  New  Orleans,  La.  ;  died  January  24, 
1808,  at  sea,  while  en  route  to  New  York. 

Fourth  Corporal  Alaric  A.  Boyce,  born,  Richmond, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  18,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  E.  River  St.,  Orange, 
Mass. 

Fifth  Corporal  Jonas  C.  Rice,  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  H.  ; 
enlisted  September  22,  1802;  age,  80  ;  mustered  out  Au 
gust  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  257  1st  Avenue,  Minne 
apolis,  Minn. 

Sixth  Corporal  Marrion  W.  Converse,  born,  Rindge, 
N.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  8,  1802;  age,  24;  died  June 
4,  1808,  at  New  Orleans,  L'l. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS  469 

Seventh  Corporal  Charles  H.  Cooper,  born,  Langdon, 
N.  H.  ;  enlisted  September  15,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  1808. 

Eighth  Corporal  Charles  H.  Parker,  born  Amesbnry, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September  1,  1802;  age,  21);  died  May 
K),  1808,  at  Butte  a  la  Rose,  La. 

Musician  Bela  Nettleton,  born,  Newport,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  10,  1802;  age,  25  ;  lie  was  taken  pris 
oner  March  17,  1808,  at  Port  Hudson,  La.;  paroled  April 
4,  18.08;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808;  P.  O.  address 
Newport,  N.  II. 

Musician  John  M.  Scott,  born,  Deeru'eld,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  October  8,  1802;  age,  44;  died  August  15,  1808, 
while  en  route  to  New  York  by  transport. 

Wagoner  Hazen  Barnard,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  4,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1808;  died  November  10,  1888,  at  Fox  Lake,  Wis. 

PRIVATES. 

John  S.  Adams,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  8.  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  died  August  16,  1808,  at 
Cairo,  111. 

Harlan  P.  Allen,  born,  Acworth,  N.  IT.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15.  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1868; 
P.  O.  address  Appleton,  Minn. 

Alinon  W.  Bailey,  born,  Jaffrey.  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802;  age,  11);  died  June  27,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Lcvi  S.  Bailey,  born,  Unity,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October 
18,  1S02;  age,  25;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1808; 
P.  O.  address  Unity,  N.  H. 


470  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Henry  Baker,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H  .;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  180:2  ;  age,  18;  died  August  15,  1863,  at  Buffalo, 
N.  Y. 

Joseph  Barrett,  born,  Asliburnliam,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September,  9,  1862  ;  age,  43  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Lunenburg,  Mass. 

Charles  R.  Bingham,  born,  Lempster,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  28;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address,  Marlow,  N.  H. 

Charles  S.  Blodgett,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  ]NT.  H.;  en 
listed  November  13,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Kimball,  S.  Dak. 

Nathaniel  Bright,  born,  Watertown,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  Aug.  20,  1863. 

Martin  V.  Brown,  born,  Newport,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  1,  1862;  age,  22;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863. 

Henry  Buckwald,  born,  Germany  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  20,  1862;  age,  30;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  August  29,  1864,  at  Jaffrey,  N.  H. 

Horace  Buswell,  born,  Acworth,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  lo,  1862;  age,  37;  discharged  April  23,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  Acworth,  N.  H. 

John  M.  Chase,  born,  Graiitham,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  4,  1802;  age,  21;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863;  died  September  5,  1863,  at  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Barzillai  H.  Cofren,  [name  not  on  muster-in-roster] 
born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October  21,  1862;  age,  21  ; 
discharged  to  date  August  20,  18(53;  died  January  26, 
1877,  at  Goshen,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS  471 

Hial  Comstock,  born,  Newport,  N.  FT.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  11,  1862;  age.  44;  died  May  16,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Lysander  J.  Cowdrey,  born,  Ashby,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  38  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  4  Chestnut  street,  Clinton,  Mass. 

John  C.  Cummings,  born  Rindge,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  10,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  died  August  11,  1803,  at  Mound 
City,  111. 

Benjamin  Cntts,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  No 
vember  1 1,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Plainfield,  N.  H. 

John  W.  Darling,  born  Jaffrey,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862;  age,  20;  died  May  19,  1863,  at  Butte 
a  la  Rose,  La. 

Hall  W.  Davis,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Elliot  F.  Ellis,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  EL;  enlisted 
September  6,  1862;  age,  18;  died  June  9,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Oren  E.  Farr,  born,  Marlow,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  IT),  1862;  age  23;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  Mill  Village,  N.  H. 

Levi  A.  Forristall,  [Foristall  is  the  name  given  in 
Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Fit/william,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862;  age,  18;  died  June  17,  1863.  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Hezekiah  French,  born,  Plainfield,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  30,  1862;  age,  44;  discharged  February  9,  1863, 
at  Long  Bridge,  "Va;  died  Sept.  2,  1877,  at  Tinty,  N.  H. 


472  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEG1MENT 

Robert  D.  Gleason,  born,  Winchendon,  Mass.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1802  ;  age,  25 ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863. 

Hiram  A.  Gregg,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  January  24,  186:), 
at  New  Orleans,  La.;  P.  O.  address  Swanton,  Yt. 

Amos  Harding,  born,  Acworth,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862;  age,  37;  [15  is  the  age  given  in  Adj. 
Gen's  report]  died  June  21,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Ransom  Hardy,  [Ransom  Handy  is  the  name  given  in 
Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  6,  1862;  age,  21;  died  August  1,  1863,  at 
Port  Hudson,  La. 

Blisha  Harkn ess,  born,  Richmond,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  41  ;  died  May  3],  1863,  at  Bra- 
shear  City,  La. 

Frederick  H.  Haskell,  [Frederic  is  the  spelling  in 
Adj.  Gen's  report]  born,  Fit/william,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Marshall  town,  Iowa. 

Andrew J.  Hastings,  born,  Grantham,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  18(52;  age,  26  ;  discharged  J  line  23,  1803, 
at  Concord,  N.  II.;  P.  O.  address  Bradford,  N.  II. 

Charles  T.  Haywood,  (Charles  T.  lleywood  in  Adjt. 
Gen's  report  |  born,  Fit/william,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  13,  1802;  age,  22;  died  July  31,  1863,  at  Port  Hud 
son,  La. 

Henry  S.  Howard,  born,  Dorset,  Vt.;  enlisted  October 
7,  1802;  age,  32;  mustered  out  August  2')  1803. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  473 

Elroy  S.  Howe,  born,  Ludlow,  Vt.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1802  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808. 

Mitchell  W.  Howe,  bom,  Whitefield,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802;  age,  48;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  died  January  12,  188(5,  at  Newport,  N.  H. 

Moses  Hoyt,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  18,  18(52;  age,  29;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(58; 
P.  O.  address  92  Charles  street,  Fitchburg,  Mass. 

James  M.  Ingalls,  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  4,  18(52;  age,  48  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(58; 
died  December  0,  1894,  at  Marlboro,  Mass. 

Charles  D.  Kimball,  born,  Rindge,  JNT.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802  ;  age,  80;  discharged  April  29,  18(58, 
at  Corncord,  N.  H. 

Dexter  B.  Knowlton,  born,  Southbridge,  Mass.;  en 
listed  September  15,  18(52  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1808  ;  died  October  21,  1894,  at  Jeffrey,  JNT.  II. 

Andrew  Lindsay,  born,  Paisley,  Scotland  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802;  age,  82;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  ().  address  box  181,  East  Jeffrey,  N.  II. 

John  H.  Messer,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1802  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(58  ;  P. 
O.  address  Mill  Village,  N.  II. 

Charles  R.  Mnnroe,  Monroe  is  the  name  given  in  Adj. 
Gen's  report]  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  II;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802  ;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(58; 
died  February  10,  18(5;"),  at  Chicago,  111. 

Jacob  Newell,  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  18(52;  age,  89;  died  April  5,  1808,  at  .Baton 
Rouge,  La. 


474  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Charles  Newton,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  January  15,  1893,  at  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H. 

Willard  A.  Newton,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  37  Lunnenburg  street,  Fiteh- 
bnrg,  Mass. 

Freeman  W.  Nourse,  born,  Acworth,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862;  age,  24;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Redding,  Cal. 

Edward  A.  Nutting,  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H. 

Arthur  B.  Parker,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  died  August  10,  1863,  at  Vicks- 
burg,  Miss. 

Elias  W.  Pike,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862;  age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  Mill  Village,  N.  II. 

Samuel  //.  Pike,  born,  Goshen,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  3,  1862;  age,  39;  died  July  25,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  Ln. 

Robert  T.  M.  Prentiss,  born,  Acworth,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August 
20.  1863;  P.  O.  address  Holyoke,  Mass. 

Henry  D.  Putnam,  ['Henry  Putnam  is  the  name  in 
Adjt.  Gen's,  report)  born,  Churlestown,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  29  ;  died  July  28,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La, 


KEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  475 

Daniel  Henry  Reed,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  appointed  corporal  ;  must 
ered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  January  7,  1867,  at  Fitz 
william,  N.  H. 

Jefferson  Richardson,  born,  Royalston,Mass.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  35  ;  appointed  sergeant  ;  dis 
charged  June  6,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  died  June  24, 
1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Meander  Richardson,  born,  Royalston,Mass.;  enlisted 
September  23,  1862;  age,  23;  discharged  February  12, 
1863  ;  died  June  12,  1890,  at  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Jonas  W.  Ross,  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  discharged  May  21,  1863  ;  died  at 
Worcester,  Mass. 

James  M.  Russell,  born,  Rutland,  Yt. ;  enlisted  Novem 
ber  1,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P. 
O,  address  box  29,  Sunapee,  N.  H. 


47() 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


Harvey  Sargent  was  bom  in  Marlboro,  N.  II.,  Febru 
ary  17,  18^1).  hi  tlie  year  18f)o  lie  moved  to  East  Swan 
zey,  N.  II.,  where  lie  received  a  common  school  educa 
tion.  After  leaving  school  he  worked  in  the  wooden- 
Avare  shops  of  the  town  until  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war.  In  the  fall  of  18(>1  with  others  in  that  town  he  en 
listed  to  go  in  the  band  of  the  Sixth  Regiment,  but  sub 
sequently  received  word  that  no  band  would  be  enlisted 
in  that  regiment. 

When,  in  1802,  the  call  for  nine-months'  men  came  lie 
responded,    and   September    10   again  enlistee}   and   was 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  477 

mustered  into  Company  F,  Sixteenth  Regiment.  He 
was  with  the  company  until  they  arrived  at  Camp  Par 
apet,  La.,  January  2d,  at  which  time  he  was  suffering 
from  an  attack  of  pneumonia,  the  result  of  a  cold  con 
tracted  in  the  Franklin  street  Barracks,  at  New  York. 

On  January  7  he  was  sent  to  the  general  hospital,  at 
Carroll  ton,  where  he  remained  until  March  80,  when  he 
was  transferred,  with  other  patients,  to  the  University 
Hospital,  New  Orleans,  \Vhen  he  had  so  far  recovered 
as  to  be  able,  he  was  detailed  from  the  list  of  convales 
cent  patients  to  help  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded  in 
the  hospital,  and  wa.s  retained  in  that  capacity  until 
nearly  time  for  the  regiment  to  be  discharged. 

While  in  the  hospital  he  had  an  opportunity  to  see 
some  of  the  sad  results  of  war.  lie  had  under  his  care 
a  certain  number  of  patients,  among  whom  were  two 
from  the  Sixteenth  Regiment,  Corporal  Goodhue,  of 
Company  B,  and  Comrade  Comstock,  of  Company  F, 
the  latter  of  whom  it  was  his  privilege  to  care  for  during 
his  sickness  and  death.  On  July  20  lie  reached  Port 
Hudson  to  join  his  regiment.  Here  he  was  again  taken 
sick  and  was  unable  to  proceed  with  his  regiment  further 
than  Vicksburg  on  their  journey  homeward. 

He  remained  here  ten  days  before  he  was  able  to  pro 
ceed.  He  arrived  at  Concord,  N.  II.,  August  22  and  .re 
ceived  his  discharge.  His  army  life  was  uneventful,  as 
his  prolonged  illness  kept  him  from  doing  duty  with  the 
regiment.  After  lie  had  sufficiently  regained  his  health 
and  strength  he  returned  again  to  the  wooden-ware  whops. 
This  business  he  followed  as  long  as  his  health  permitted, 


478  IIISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

For  the  last  few  years  lie  lias  lived  on  a  small  farm  in 
East  Swanzey  and  keeps  a  small  dairy.  Tie  was  married 
June  12,  1807,  and  has  one  child,  a  son,  who  is  clerk  in 
a  store  in  East  Greenwich,  R.  I. 

Alvah  A.  Smith,  born,  Goshen,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  IT),  1802;  age,  44;  died  June  6,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Oliver  F.  Stearns,  born,  Amherst,  N.IL;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1802  ;  age,  37  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863;  died  April  2,  1878,  at  Newport,  N.  H. 

Jositih  Stebbins,  born,  Winchester,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  18,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  discharged  March  5,  1803, 
at  Fort  Columbus,  N.  Y.;  died  November  0,  1894,  at 
Jnftrey,  N.  II. 

Joseph  K.  Stone,  born,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted 
September  13,  1802;  age,  18;  died  June  5,  1803.  at 
Brashear  City,  La. 

Amos  T.  Towne,  born,  Lndlow,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1802  :  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  April  3,  1887,  at  Dana,  Mass. 

Isoammi  B.  Underwood,  born,  Kindge,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1802;  age,  32;  discharged  January 
2,  1803,  at  Boston,  Mass.;  P.  ().  address  AVinchendon, 
Mass. 

Joseph  Welch,  born,  Canada  ;  enlisted  October  4, 
1802  ;  age,  43  ;  discharged  May  21,  18f>3,  at  New  Orleans, 
La.;  died  July  2,  1803,  Vilify,  N.  II. 

Edwin  F.  Wheeler,  born,  Ashby,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  K>,  1802;  age,  42;  died  August  0,  1803,  at  New 
Orleans,  La, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  479 

John  P.  Wheeler,  born,  Yoluntown,  Conn.;  enlisted 
September  lo,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  East  Jaffrey,  ]NT.  II. 

Edwin  D.  Whipple,  born,  Malone,  N.  Y.;  enlisted 
September  4,  1862;  age,  31;  discharge  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  last  known  address,  Newport,  N.  IT. 

Charles  D.  Worcester,  born.  Fitch  burg,  Mass.;  en 
listed  September  12,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  [age  given  at  29  in 
Adjt.  Gen's  report]  taken  prisoner  March  17,  1863  ; 
paroled  April  4,  1863;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Nathan  Young,  born,  Sunapee,  N.  IT.;  enlisted  Nov 
ember  12,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Sunapee,  N.  II. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  G. 


'  .,     ifc       4HP1 


fM: 


Captai 


.    5&osu>or//i. 


Captain  George  W.  Bosworth,  son  of  Bela  and  Joanna 
Ilarlow  Bosworth,  was  born  September  o,  1823,  in  Plymp- 
ton,  formerly  a  part  of  Plymouth,  Mass.,  his  parents  be 
ing  residents  there  for  many  years.  They  were  deeply 
imbued  with  Pilgrim  principles  and  early  instilled  them 
into  the  minds  of  their  four  children.  At  the  age  of  eigh 
teen  George  \V.  united  with  the  Congregational  church. 
Soon  after  he  went  into  an  iron  foundry  at  North  (Jlielms- 
ford,  where  he  served  an  apprenticeship,  thus  choosing 
the  same  avocation  in  which  his  father  was  a  skilled 
workman. 


NE\V    ITAMPSITIKE    VOLUNTEERS.  481 

In  1847  lie  married  Any  Cram,  of  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.,  a 
lady  of  superior  ability,  and  who  has  proven  a  tower  of 
strength  to  him  during  the  fifty  years  of  their  married 
life.  In  184cS  he  removed  to  Manchester,  N.  H.,  where 
he  entered  the  foundry  of  the  Amoskeag  Manufacturing 
Co.  Here  he  pin-sued  his  trade  as  moulder,  his  work  be 
ing  confined  to  machinery  castings.  He  was  largely  en 
gaged  in  making  the  castings  for  the  celebrated  Begelow 
Carpet  Looms,  and  during  the  fall  and  winter  of  1848-'49 
he  worked  upon  the  castings  for  the  first  two  locomotives 
built  in  New  Hampshire. 

In  the  summer  of  1840  he  moved  to  Milford,  N.  II., 
where  he  resided  nearly  eight  years.  He  and  his  partner, 
William  Pratt,  were  the  originators  and  manufacturers 
of  the  celebrated  North  Star  Cook  Stove.  From  this 
place  he  removed  to  Lyndeboro  to  care  for  his  wife's  aged 
mother.  In  1862  he  enlisted  as  a  volunteer  and  was  im 
mediately  appointed  as  recruiting  officer  to  fill  the  quota 
of  the  town.  In  the  fall  of  1862  he  was  mustered  in  as 
captain  of  Company  G,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  served 
with  it  until  it  was  mustered  out  of  service.  In  1864  he 
enlisted  again  as  a  private  in  the  Eighteenth  New  Hamp 
shire  Volunteers,  but  before  the  regiment  left  the  state 
he  was  mustered  in  as  captain  of  Company  E,  serving  in 
that  capacity  until  the  close  of  the  war.  AVas  on  active 
duty  front  of  Petersburg,  when  Lee's  army  was  driven  out. 
He  remained  with  the  regiment  until  it  was  mustered  out 
in  ISCu").  In  18C>(>  he  moved  to  Amherst  and  entered  the 
employ  of  Hon.  Hanson  Eaton,  but  in  consequence  of 
impaired  health,  caused  by  army  service,  was  compelled 


482          HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT 

to  abandon  the  business,  Partially  regaining  his  health, 
he  engaged  in  business  as  commercial  traveler.  Was  for 
two  years  the  representative  of  the  town  of  Amhust  in 
the  State  Legislature  and  for  twelve  consecutive  years 
was  superintendent  of  the  Congregational  Sunday  school. 
The  fiftieth  anniversary  of  his  marriage  was  celebrated 
March  2,  1897. 

Of  their  nine  children  four  are  living — three  daughters, 
who  are  successful  teachers,  a  son,  George  X.,  who  for 
several  years  was  a  commercial  traveler,  but  is  now  en 
gaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Boston. 


N  E  \V    II A M  PSTII  RE    VOLT  N  T E  E  KS . 


488 


J'Srst  jCifutenant  53arton 

First  Lieutenant  Barton  Allan  Ballon  was  born  in 
Woonsocket,  R.  I.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company 
G  September  22,  1802,  and  was  appointed  first  lieuten 
ant  November  4,  1802.  He  served  with  his  company  and 
was  mustered  out  August  20,  1803.  He  is  the  senior 
member  of  the  firm  of  B.  A.  Ballon  &  Co..  manufacturing 
jewelers,  01  Peck  street.  Providence,  R.  I. 

Second  Lieutenant  Martin  //.  Colburn,  boj-n,  New 
Boston,  X.  II.;  enlisted  September  12,  1802;  age,  23; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1808;  P.  ().  address  Frances- 
town,  N.  IF. 


484  HISTOIIV    Otf    THE    SIXTEENTH 

first  Sergeant  Alden  S.  Wood,  born,  Hancock,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  5,  1802;  age,  2*2  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808;  P.  O.  address  Hancock,  N.  TI. 

Second  Sergeant  Augustus  Spinney,  born,  Elliott, 
Maine;  enlisted  October  4,  1802;  age,  84;  mustered  out 
August  20,  18(>8. 

Third  Sergeant  George  T.Jones,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  (>,  18(>2  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  ISO:-*;  P.  O.  address  South  Fitcliburg,  Mass. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Jacob  Langdell,  born,  New  Boston, 
X.  II.:  enlisted  September  18,  18(52;  age,  25;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1868;  P.  O.  address  New  Boston,  N.  II. 


XKW    HAMPSHIRE 


(Sergeant    C/icir/c 


riff  Sit. 


Fifth  Sergeant  Charles  jT.  Wright  enlisted  as  a  pri 
vate  in  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  and 
was  promoted  to  fifth  sergeant  of  Company  G,  sergeant- 
major,  and  commissioned  second  lieutenant  of  Company 
K  for  gallant  and  meritorious  service.  He  was  commis 
sioned  lieutenant-colonel,  Thirty-ninth  United  States 
Colored  Troops,  April  11),  1804,  and  commanded  the 
Twenty-seventh  Tinted  States  Colored  Troops  in  the 
campaign  of  the  'Wilderness.  He  was  wounded  in  the 
assault  on  the  fortifications  around  Petersburg,  and 
again  quite  seriously  at  Fort  Fisher.  He  was  present  at 


486  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

the  surrender  of  Johnson's  army,  at  Kaleigh,  N.  C.  On 
March  13,  180;),  he  was  commisssoned  by  the  President 
brevet-colonel,  United  States  Volunteers,  for  gallant  and 
meritorious  service  during  the  war.  Colonel  Wright  is 
vice-president  of  the  Society  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
and  president  of  the  New  York  Military  Academy,  at 
Corn  wall -on- the -Hudson,  N.  Y. 

The  historian  is  not  surprised  at  the  military  success 
of  Colonel  Wright,  for  he  was  a  perfect  gentleman  and 
a  fearless  soldier  during  our  Louisiana  campaign.  As 
sergeant-major  he  was  almost  constantly  with  the  adju 
tant,  and  discharged  with  marked  ability  every  duty 
assigned  him. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


487 


Corpora/ 


Jfo/t. 


First  Corporal  Andy  Holt,  born,  Lyndeboro,  X.  IT.: 
enlisted,  September  ].">,  1802;  age,  21  ;  mustered  in  as 
corporal,  appointed  sergeant,  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  South  Lyndeboro,  N.  II. 

Second  Corporal  William  C.  Wood,  born,  Hancock, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  17,  1802;  age,  32;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Aver,  Mass. 

Third  Corporal  John  //.  Brooks,  born,  Hancock,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  October  1),  1802;  age,  28;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1803;  died  September  20,  1878,  at  Man 
chester,  N.  H. 


488  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Fourth  Corporal  George  Marden,  born,  New  Bos 
ton,  N.  H.;  enlisted  September  18,  1802;  age,  28;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  New  Boston, 
N.  II. 

Fifth  Corporal  Frank  B.  Hardy,  born,  Nelson,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  October  i),  1802;  age,  83;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  Munsonville,  N.  II. 

Sixth  Corporal  fiben  J.  Palmer,  bom,  Lyndeboro, 
N.  IT.;  enlisted  September  11,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  died  June 
80,  1808,  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

Seventh  Corporal  Sunnier  Beard,  born,  Heading, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September  IT),  18(52;  age,  84;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1808,  as  a  private. 

Eighth  Corporal  Robert  H.  French r  born,  Bedford, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  11),  1802;  age  H);  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  1808  :  died  August  22,  ItfOS,  at  Mem 
phis,  Term. 

Wagoner  Nathan  S.  Harris,  born,  Francestown,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  18,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  lost  overboard 
from  transport  Gallic-  .List  August  0,  18(58,  while  enroute 
for  home. 

PRIVATES. 

Calvin  1^.  Andrews,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  September  3,  1802;  age,  11);  mustered  out  August 
20,  1808;  P.  O.  address  10  Gillis  street,  Nashua,  N.  II. 

George  C.  Andrews,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  September  17,  18(52  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  18(58;  died  September  (5,  18(58,  at  New  Bos 
ton,  N.  II. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  489 

Washington  Bancroft,  born,  Nelson,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  9,  1862;  age,  28;  died  August  9,  1863,  near 
Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Richard  Batten,  Jr.,  born,  Salem,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  Post  Office  address  New  Boston,  N.  II. 

Daniel  O.  Beverstock,  [Oscar  T).  Beverstock  is  the 
name  given  in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Marlow,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  13,  1862;  age,  20;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Keene,  N.  II. 

Ahrani  Bontwcll,  born,  Ainherst,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  0,  1862;  age,  40;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

James  Boutwell,  born,  Amlierst,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  0,  1862  ;  age,  43  ;  died  August  lo,  18r>3,  at  Lynde- 
boi-o,  N.  II. 

George  W.  Boynton,  born,  Bedford,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862;  age,  18;  died  August  13,  1803,  at 
Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Frank  Bush,  born,  Canada;  enlisted  September  13, 
1802;  age,  24;  deserted  November  6,  1862,  at  Concord, 
N.  II. 

Joh n  R.  Butler,  born,  Antrim,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  6,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  died  June  28,  1863,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Albert  A.  Buxton,  born.  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted  No 
vember  11,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  209  Main  street,  Fitchburg,  Mass. 

Levy  Caldwell,  \  Levi  Caldwell]  born,  Ne\v  Boston,  N. 
If.;  enlisted  October  22,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  discharged  for 


400  IIISTOUY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    UEGIMENT 

disabilities  "December  20,  1802,  at  New  York  city  ;  P.  O. 
address  Manchester,  X.  II. 

Walter  ChamherHn,l)or}\,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  11,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  died  May  7,  1803,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Fred  W.  Chase,  born,  AYeare,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sept.  8, 
1802;  age,  22  ;  diec  April  80,  1808,  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

Benjamin  J.  Clark,  l)orn,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  0,  1802;  a  ire,  87;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Lyndeboro.  N.  II. 

Henry  Clement,  born,  llillsbom,  N.  II.;enlisted  Sep 
tember  IS,  1802;  age,  24;  promoted  to  corporal;  died 
August  12,  1SOH,  at  Mound  (1ity,  111. 

David  Colby,  born,  Dee-ring,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septeni- 
ber  20.  IS02;  age,  42  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808; 
died  August  18,  1885,  at  \Yeare.  X.  II. 

Stephen  P.  Colby,  born,  Deering.  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  12,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1808  ;  P.  O.  address  \Yeare,  N.  II. 

Joseph  Cram,  born,  AYeare,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September 
10.  1802;  age,  48;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1.808; 
died  April  28,  181),"),  Clinton  drove,  X.  II. 

N.  Edwin  Cram,  |  Kdwin  X.  (1raiu  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  ( {en's  report  born,  \Yeare,  X.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  17,  1802;  age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1808;  died  November  1,  1808,  at  \Yeare,  X.  II. 

Moses  C.  Crom1)ie,  [Moses  P>.  Crombie  is  the  name 
given  in  Adjt.  ({en's  report  born.  New  Boston,  N.  II.; 
enlisted  September  2,  1802;  age,  22;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  New  Boston,  N.  II. 


NEW     HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  491 

Edward  J.  Cudworth,  born,  Greenfield,  JNT.  II.;  en 
listed  September  4,  1802  ;  age,  10  ;  died  April  7,  1808,  at 
Algiers,  La. 

Elbridge  H.  Dearborn,  born,  AVeare,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  20,  1802;  age,  20;  died  August  If),  18(58,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 


492 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


J.  Harvey  Dearborn  was  born  in  South  \Yeare,  N.  TL, 
March  15,  1881,  and  was  one  of  three  brothers  who  en 
listed  in  the  late  war.  His  boyhood  was  spent  with  his 
uncle,  John  Dearborn,  who  was  landlord  of  Dearborn 
Tavern.  \Vhen  seventeen  years  of  age  lie  commenced 
driving  the  mail  stage  from  llenniker  to  Keene,  remain 
ing  on  that  route  two  years.  For  four  years  he  Avas 
stage  driver  between  Ilenniker  and  Amherst.  In  1850  he 
went  to  Minnesota,  and  was  the  first  town  clerk  of  Elba, 
when  that  territory  became  a  state.  He  returned  to  New 
Hampshire  in  the  fall  of  1808,  taking  up  his  residence 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  493 

in  Provincetown  (Cape  Cod),  Mass.  May,  1851),  lie  en 
tered  upon  the  duties  of  clerk  in  the  post-office.  He 
married,  April,  1800,  Emily  T.  Cook,  of  Provincetown. 
He  drove  mail  stage  between  Provincetown  and  Well- 
fleet,  Mass.,  until  September  1,  1802.  He  then  enlisted 
in  Company  G,  Sixteenth  Regiment.  On  expiration  of 
his  term  of  service  he  returned  to  Provincetown,  and 
has  followed  the  occupation  of  paperhanger  for  seven 
teen  years.  During  the  past  fifteen  years  he  has  been 
clerk  in  a  fancy  goods,  jewelry,  newspaper  and  periodi 
cal  store. 

David  D.  Dennison,  born  Francestown,  N.  11.;  en 
listed  September  11,  1802  ;  age,  21)  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803  ;  P.  ().  address  New  Boston,  N.  II. 

Edward  P.  Dodge,  [  E.  Porter  Dodge  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born  Danvers.  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  P.  O.  address  Stoneham,  Mass. 

Almon  Dow,  born  Weare,  N.  IL;  enlisted  September 
15,  1802  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803. 

FJverton  G.  W.  Dnnklee,  [E.  George  W.  Dunklee  is 
the  name  given  in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born  Amherst,  N. 
IT.;  enlisted  September  21),  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Conklinville,  N.  Y. 

Horace  Farrar,  born  Grafton,  N.  II. ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1802;  age,  25;  died  June  28,  1808,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

George  W.  Feltch,  born  Weare,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802  ;  age,  11)  ;  died  May  1,  1808,  at  New  Or- 
Jeans,  La. 


494  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Alonzo  Foot,  born,  Goffstown,  !NT.  II.;  enlisted  October 
2,  1802  ;  age,  32  ;  died  June  7,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Michael  Ford,  bom  Ireland;  enlisted  September  20, 
1803  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  for  disabilities  June  17.  1803, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Jeremiah  Foster,  born,  Roxbury,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  12,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20.  1803. 

John  A.  Franklin,  born,  Ilartsville,  N.  Y.;  enlisted 
September  1C),  1802;  age,  2(5  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803. 

John  Gage,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II. ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  13,  1802  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  P. 
O.  address  Henniker,  N.  H. 

Alden  S.  Gardner,  born,  Bedford,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  10,  1802;  age,  42;  discharged  for  disabilities  April 
10,  1803,  at  Brashear  City,  La. 

Nathaniel  S.  Gardner  was  born  in  Sunapee,  N.  IL, 
August  IT),  182os  and  lived  on  the  farm  now  known  as 
Prospect  Hill,  near  the  west  shore  of  Sunapee  Lake. 
He  attended  the  district  school  until  fifteen  years  of  age, 
when  he  was  apprenticed  to  John  T.  Chase,  of  Newport, 
N.  II.,  to  learn  the  trade  of  shoe  making,  serving  the 
required  three  years.  After  graduating  as  a  journey 
man  he  worked  at  his  trade  in  Newport,  N.  II. ;  Woburn, 
Mass.;  Methuen.  Mass.,  and  Claremont,  N.  II.,  until 
184r>,  when  lie  engaged  in  manufacturing  at  Sunapee  and 
has  enjoyed  success  and  prosperity.  He  enlisted  Sep 
tember,  1802,  to  complete  the  bass  section  of  the  New 
port  Cornet  Band  ;  that  became  the  regimental  ^arid  of 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEEKS. 


49/5 


S.     Set  ret  nor. 


the  Sixteenth  Regiment.  He  served  as  a  member  of  the 
band  until  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  at  Concord, 
N.  II.,  August  20,  1868.  He  returned  to  Sunapee,  where 
he  resided  until  1884,  when  lie  removed  to  Springfield, 
Mass.,  his  present  residence.  He  is  a  member  of  Fred 
Smith  Post  No.  10  ({.  A.  K,,  and  is  the  local  correspond 
ent  for  several  newspapers. 

George  P.  Griswold,  born,  Deerfield,  N.  Y.;  enlisted 
September  17,  1802;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  April  11,  1894,  at  Bennington,  N.  H. 


496  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

George  G.  Hardy,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October!),  1862;  age,  44;  died  June  21,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Otis  N.  Holt,  born,  Temple,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  29,  1803;  age,  19;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  February  1,  1892,  at  Francestown,  N.  II. 

James  W.  Johnson,  born,  Hancock,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  23,  1862;  age,  18;  drowned  July  2,  1863,  at 
Springfield  Landing,  La. 

John  H.  Karr,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  16,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  August  10,  1863,  at  Yicks- 
burg,  Miss. 

Charles  Kent,  Jr.,  born,  Pelhani,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  27,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  discharged  June  25,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La.;  P.  O.  address,  Pelliam,  N.  H. 

John  Kelley,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  October  8,  1862  ; 
age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863  ;  last  heard 
from  at  Streator,  111.,  in  1893. 

William  Kelso,  Jr.,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  17,  1862;  age,  36;  died  June  9,  1863, 
at  Brashear  City,  La. 

Edwin  P.  Khnhall,  born,  Hancock,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  11,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1803  ;  died  August  26,  1863,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 

George  F.  Lamson,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  October  15,  1862  ;  age,  25;  died  July  12,  1863,  at 
Baton  Rouge,  La. 

Horace  I^angdell,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1802;  age,  37;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Eau  Claire,  \Vis. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  497 

Jonathan  S.  Lock,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1868. 

Abner  H.  Lull,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1802  ;  nge,  18  ;  died  June  5,  1808,  at  Bra- 
shenr  City,  La. 

Samuel  P.  McQuestion,  born,  Bedford,  N.  II. ;  enlisted 
September  25,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  died  June  18,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Joseph  Mason,  born,  Bowdoinbam,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  5,  1802  ;  age,  88  ;  mustered  out  August  20. 
1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Vnity,  Me. 

Alexander  Melville,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  October  9,  1802;  age,  85;  deserted  November  10, 
1802,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

William  P.  Mudge,  born,  East  Wallingford,  Art. ;  en 
listed  September  20,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1808  ;  P.  O.  address  Antrim,  N.  H. 

Charles  H.  Murphy,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  4,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803. 

Jesse  W.  Peabody,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.  ;  en 
listed  September  18,  1802  ;  age.  21  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1808. 


4(JS          HISTORY  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  KEGIMENT 


John  R.  Perkins  was  born  in  New  Boston,  N.  H.,  re 
moved  to  Weave,  N.  II.,  where  he  enlisted  September  19, 
1862,  at  the  age  of  17  as  a  private  in  Company  G,  Six 
teenth  Reo'iment. 

He  served  the  full  term  of  his  enlistment,  and  was  dis 
charged  to  date  August  20,  1803.  lie  located  in  Milford, 
X.  II.,  where  he  married  Mary  (1.  \Vetherbee  and  estab 
lished  a  home  and  business.  II<^  has  devoted  his  best 
talent  to  his  profession,  and  is  known  as  Milford.' s  popular 
artist. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  490 

George  S.  Petts,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  0,  18(52  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  P. 
O.  address  Munsonville,  N.  H. 

George  B.  Raymond,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II. ;  en 
listed  October  8,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1803;  died  December  5,  1870,  at  Lyndeboro,  N.  H. 

Joseph  M.  Richardson,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  14,  1802;  age,  23;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Keene,  N.  H. 

Horace  K.  Rugg,  born,  Sullivan,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  8,  1802;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  Acwortli,  N.  H. 

Hartwell  H.  Shepard,  born,  Amherst,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  3,  1802;  age,  21  ;  died  August  10,  1803,  at 
Mound  City,  111. 

Horace  Shirley,  born,  Goffstown,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802;  age,  21;  drowned  April  18,  1803,  at 
Vermillion  Bayou,  La. 

Gideon  Silver,  born,  Bow,  N.  H.;  enlisted  September 
29,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  deserted  November  7,  1802,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

William  P.  Steele,  born,  Sebec,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  4,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  South  Lyndeboro,  N.  H. 

Charles  A.  Tarbox,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1802  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  O.  address  East  Sullivan,  N.  II. 

William  Thorp,  born,  Derby,  England  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  10,  1802;  age,  39;  died  August  14,  1803,  at  Mound 
City,  111. 


{)()()  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Orson  C.  Tohnan,  born,  Nelson,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  9,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged  for  disabilities  July 
13,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La,;  P.  O.  address  Nelson, 
N.  H. 

Jacob  Towns,  born,  Pembroke,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  16,  1862  ;  age,  31  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  December  — ,  1800,  at  New  Boston,  N.  H. 

L,ewis  Towns,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  20,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  September  14,  1863,  at  Memphis,  Term. 

William  A.  White,  born,  Deering.  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862  ;  age,  37  ;  died  June  30,  1863,  at 
Baton  llouge,  La. 

David  L.  Wood,  born,  Hancock,  N.  IL;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  26,  1862;  age,  33;  died  July  10,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La, 

Henry  E.  Young,  born,  Sunapee,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  H. 


Captain  John  I/.  Rice  was  born  in  Weatnersfield,  Vt., 
February  1,  1840.  He  is  a  lineal  descendant  in  the  ninth 
generation  from  Edmund  Rice,  who  came  from  Berkhamp- 
stead,  England,  and  settled  in  Sudbury,  Mass.,  in  1088. 
He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
town  and  at  Kimball  Union  Academy,  Meriden,  IST.  H. 
He  enlisted  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  from  Cornish,  N.  H., 
for  three  months,  April  28.  18(11.  He  was  not  mustered. 
He  re-enlisted  as  private  May  21,  1801,  in  Company  A, 
Second  New  Hampshire  Infantry,  and  was  mustered  May 
31,  .1861.  He  was  shot  through  the  lungs  at  the  battle 


502  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMEXT 

of  Bull  Run,  Va.,  July  21,  1861,  and  left  on  the  field  for 
dead.     Funeral  services  were  held  at  his  Vermont  homo. 
He  was  confined  in  Libby  Prison,  Richmond,  Va.,  until 
January  2,    1802,   when    lie   rejoined    his   regiment,      lie 
participated  in  the  siege  of  Yorktown  and  in  tlie  battles 
of  AYilliamsburg,    Fair  Oaks,   Savage  Station,   Glendale 
and  Malvern  Hill,  in  th<->  Peninsular  campaign  of   1802, 
and  in  the  battles  of  Bristoe  Station  and   Second   Bull 
Run,  in  Pope's  Virginia  campaign  of  1802.     He  was  ap 
pointed  captain  in  Company  11,  Sixteenth  "Regiment,   in 
1802,  and  was  discharged  from  Second  Regiment  Novem 
ber  18,  1802,  to  accept  promotion.      He  was  commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Third  Louisiana  Native  Guards, 
afterwards  known  as  Seventy-fifth  United  States  Colored 
Infantry,  one  of  the  first  colored  regiments  recruited.     He 
participated  with   that  regiment    in   Banks1    Red  River 
campaign   of   1804.     He  assisted   General  Bailey   in  the 
construction  of  the  famous  Red  River  Dam  at  Alexandria, 
that  was  designed  to  float  Admiral  Porter's  gunboat  fleet, 
which  had  become  grounded.     He  held  an  independent 
command  in  Southwestern  Louisiana  in  180;"),  and  assisted 
in   the  earlier    reconstruction  measures  at   the    close  of 
hostilities,     lie  was  mustered  out  November  20,  1805,  at 
New  Orleans.      I  le  engaged  in  cotton  culture  in  Louisiana 
in  1800,  and  returned   north  and   settled   in   Springfield, 
Mass.,  in  18(57,  subsequently  studying  law  and   continu 
ing  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Springfield  until 
the  present  time,      lie  was  commander  of  K.  K.  \Vilcox 
Post,   G.  A.  R.,  at  Springfield,  in  1870,  and  judge  advo 
cate  of  Massachusetts  Department,  G.  A.  R.,  1878. 


NEW    1 1 A  i\I  I  >  S II I  R  E    V  0 1,  IT  N  T  E  E  R  S .  5  (.)  3 

lie  lias  been  prominent  in  the  politics  of  Massachusetts 
.for  tlie  last  twenty  years.  Tie  was  inspector  of  customs 
at  port  of  Boston  '74-' 75,  and  was  elected  member 
of  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives  from  Spring 
field  in  1881.  He  was  chief  of  police  in  Springfield  in 
1882,  postmaster  at  Spring-field  '86-' DO,  and  chief  of 
police  in  the  same  city  1892-' 93-' 04. 

He  is  now  Commissioner  of  United  States  Circuit  Court 
for  the  District  of  Massachusetts,  member  of  Massachu 
setts  Commandry  Military  Order  Loyal  Legion,  member 
of  Connecticut  Valley  Historical  Society,  and  member  of 
American  Economic  Association.  His  P.  ().  address  is 
Springfield,  Mass.  His  thorough  soldierly  bearing  is  re 
membered  not  only  by  his  company,  but  by  the  entire 
regiment. 


504  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


^t'rsf   ^Ctffutcnant   proctor   0.     ?£/ard. 

First  Lieutenant  Proctor  D.  Ward,  born,  Bradford, 
JN".  H.;  enlisted  September  1H,  1862;  age,  41  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1808  ;  died  April  23,  1884,  at  Bradford, 
N.  H. 

Second  Lieutenant  Philip  C.  Bean,  the  eldest  son  of 
William  Henry  and  Mary  (Colby)  Bean,  was  born  in 
Warner,  N.  H.,  April  24,  181-W. 

He  attended  the  public  and  private  schools  of  that 
town  until  the  age  of  iifteen,  when  he  took  charge  of 
his  father's  saw  and  grist  mills,  located  in  the  village  of 
Waterloo. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


505 


a£icufcnanf 


C. 


Upon  reaching  his  majority  he  went  to  Charlestown, 
Mass.,  and  was  engaged  in  similar  business  for  two  years, 
and  then  returned  to  Warner  to  establish  himself  in 
manufacturing  and  mechanical  pursuits. 

August,  1802,  under  President  Lincoln's  call  for  nine- 
months'  men,  he  enlisted  as  a  private,  and  was  appointed 
recruiting  officer,  to  raise  the  balance  of  the  town's 
quota,  which  was  no  easy  task,  as  Warner  had  only  re 
cently  furnished  a  company  for  the  Eleventh  Regiment. 

After  a  thorough  canvass  the  required  number  was 
obtained,  and  going  into  camp  at  Concord  early  in  Octo- 


506      ,        HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

ber  was  assigned  to  Company  II,  Sixteenth  Regiment. 
On  the  4th  of  November  Mr.  Bean  received  a  commission 
from  Governor  Berry  as  second- lieutenant  of  that  com 
pany. 

He  left  Concord  with  the  regiment  and  remained  with 
it  until  its  return  from  the  famous  "mud  march"  to 
camp  at  Baton  Rouge. 

The  exposure  and  hardships  experienced  on  that  march 
resulted  in  malarial  fever  and  injuries,  which  confined 
him  in  the  hospitals  at  Baton  Rouge  and  New  Orleans 
until  early  in  July,  18('3,  when,  at  his  own  request,  he 
was  assigned  to  special  duty  in  connection  with  the 
paroled  prisoners'  camp  at  Ship  Island. 

A  fewr  weeks  later  he  was  ordered  to  turn  over  such  of 
these  men  whose  term  of  service  had  expired,  to  their  re 
spective  regiments  at  Port  Hudson. 

He  rejoined  his  regiment  at  that  place,  and  upon  the 
termination  of  its  term  of  enlistment  returned  with  it  to 
Concord,  and  was  mustered  out  of  the  service  August  20, 
1863. 

He  was  then  employed  for  a  time  as  a  bridge  builder 
for  the  Concord  railroad.  Since  1870  he  has  been  en 
gaged  in  the  hardware  business  in  Concord,  until  a  recent 
severe  illness,  traceable  to  his  trying  experiences  in  the 
swamps  of  Louisiana,  compelled  his  retirement. 

•Fust  before  entering  the  army  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  L.,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Lemuel  Willis,  of  Warner, 
who  died  in  1861),  leaving  one  son.  lie  was  again  mar 
ried,  in  1879,  to  Miss  Hannah  M.  Eastman,  of  Concord. 

Mr.  Bean  is  a  member  of  E.  E.  Sturtevant  Post  No.  6, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  507 

G.  A.  R.,  of  Concord  (in  which  he  has  held  various 
offices),  and  of  the  Sixteentli  Regiment,  New  Hampshire 
Volunteers  Association,  having  served  two  years  as  pres 
ident  of  the  latter  organization,  in  which  he  takes  great 
interest. 

First  Sergeant  Reuben  B.  Porter,  born,  Sutton,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  October  6,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  appointed  second 
lieutenant,  Company  E,  January  19,  1863;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  since  muster  out. 

Second  Sergeant  Perley  F.  Dodge,  born,  New  Bos 
ton,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  12,  1862;  age,  24;  ap 
pointed  first  sergeant  January  11),  1863  ;  died  June  13, 
1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Third  Sergeant  I^evi  Ward,  born,  Bradford,  N.  II.; 
enlisted  September  24,  1802  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  February,  181)6,  at  Laconia,  N.  II. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Moses  C.  Harriman,  born,  War 
ner,  N.  H.;  enlisted  September  20,  1862;  age,  28;  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1863,  as  a  private;  P.  O.  address 
AVarner,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Sergeant  John  W.  Moore,  born,  Sutton,  N.  II.; 
enlisted  September  5,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  appointed  first 
sergeant  June  13,  1862;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

First  Corporal  Robert  Wadleigh,  born,  Sutton,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  September  1),  1862  ;  age,  30;  died  May  8, 
1863,  at  Brashear  City,  La. 

Second  Corporal  Olney  M.  Kimball,  born,  Turner, 
Maine  ;  enlisted  September  16,  1862;  age,  31  ;  discharged 
June  27,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  died  Charlestown, 
jVhiss.,  .January  6,  18(<M>, 


508  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 

Third  Corporal  George  C.  Sargent,  born,  Warner, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  30,  1802  ;  age,  34;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  Bradford,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Corporal  James  Bean,  Jr.,  was  born  in  War 
ner,  N.  II.,  June  18,  1840.  He  was  a  son  of  James  Bean 
and  Marinda  Stewart-Bean,  and  a  grandson  of  Nathaniel 
Bean,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Warner.  He  enlisted 
September  22,  1802,  in  Company  II,  Sixteenth  Regiment, 
and  was  appointed  corporal.  He  served  the  full  term  of 
enlistment  and  was  mustered  out  August  20,  1803.  He 
married  Apphia  Flanders  December,  ISO;"),  and  resided 
in  Warner  until  his  death,  November  1),  1884,  leaving  a 
wife  and  three  daughters. 

Fifth  Corporal  John  Baton,  born,  Bradford,  N.  PL; 
enlisted  August  30,  1802  ;  age,  1(.)  ;  appointed  sergeant  ; 
died  July  24,  1803,  at  Port  Hudson,  La. 

Sixth  Corporal  Gihnan  M.  Blake,  born,  Moulton- 
boro,  N.  II.  ;  enlisted  September  22,  1802  ;  age,  29  ; 
died  June  17,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


CorjcraJ 


Seventh  Corporal  Mark  W.  Cheney  was  born  in 
Bradford,  ]NT.  H.,  October  24,  1888.  He  removed  to 
Son  tli  Newbnry,  ISr.  H.,  with  his  parents  when  one  year 
and  a  half  old,  where  his  residence  has  since  been,  living 
on  the  same  farm  nearly  all  the  time  for  fifty-  six  years. 
He  enlisted  at  Newbury,  September,  1802  ;  was  enrolled 
for  duty  at  Concord,  October  13,  1802;  appointed  cor 
poral  in  Company  II  at  Concord,  N.  H.,  and  was  pro 
moted  to  the  rank  of  sergeant  at  Port  Hudson,  La.  He 
served  with  the  regiment  throughout  all  its  service, 
jbeing  absent  from  duty  only  some  eight  or  ten  days  when 


510  HISTORY     OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

sick  with  malarial  fever  in  the  regimental  field  hospital 
at  Port  Hudson. 

On  the  celebrated  "mud  march"  he  was  detailed  for 
picket  duty  just  before  the  regiment  retreated  back 
through  the  swamp  near  Port  Hudson,  and  threw  away 
nearly  all  his  rations,  except  coffee,  that  he  might  help 
his  brother  Luke  Cheney,  who  was  weak  from  sickness, 
having  just  been  discharged  from  the  hospital. 

The  next  night,  after  a  hard  day's  march,  he  was  again 
detailed  for  guard  duty,  the  only  one  from  Company  H. 
lie  walked  his  beat  all  night,  not  being  relieved  ujitil  be 
tween  seven  and  eight  the  next  morning.  They  were 
lonely  hours,  made  especially  so  from  the  fact  that  a 
terrible  thunderstorm  raged  nearly  all  night.  It  became 
necessary  for  him,  without  rest  or  suitable  rations,  to 
march  back  to  camp  with  the  regiment,  being  on  the 
march  and  guard  duty  for  nearly  sixty  hours,  continu 
ously  in  mud  and  water  anywhere  from  three  inches  to 
three  feet  deep.  After  the  regiment  got  back  to  cam}) 
lie  was  oiK1  of  the  few  that  was  able  to  be  in  line  to 
answer  to  his  name  at  roll-call.  On  account  of  the  ex 
treme  hardship  Sergeant  Cheney  endured  at  that  time, 
Captain  Rice  excused  him  from  all  duty  for  two  weeks. 

Since  the  war  his  time  has  been  divided  between  farm 
ing  and  teaching  vocal  music,  being  very  successful  as 
teacher  of  music  and  only  relinquishing  it  because  of 
lung  difficulty.  lie  has  also  been  much  interested  in 
church  and  Sunday-school  work  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Free  Baptist  Church  at  South  JXewbury,  N.  II, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS 


511 


Eighth  Corporal  George  H.  Melvin  was  born  in  War 
ner,  N.  PL,  November  10,  1833.  At  the  age  of  nineteen 
he  went  West,  and  was  employed  in  the  construction  of 
the  first  railroad  in  Iowa,  lie  enlisted  as  a  private  in 
Company  H,  Sixteenth  Regiment,  and  was  promoted  to 
the  ranks  of  corporal  and  sergeant  for  efficient  service  and 
was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment.  Since  the  war  he 
has  been  employed  by  the  Old  Colony  Railroad,  and  is 
now  superintendent  of  coal  docks  of  the  consolidated  N. 
Y.,  IST.  II.  &  Hartford  H,  H.  Co.,  at  Somerset,  Mass., 
where  he  resides. 


v")12  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Musician  Edwin  R.  Hardy,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.; 

enlieted  September  19,  1802  ;  age,  30  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Musician  John  M.  Palmer,  bom,  Button,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  November  3,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1803;  died  December  22,  1888,  at  Button,  N.  H. 

Wagoner  Zenas  A.  Bartlett,  born,  Hopkinton,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  19,  1802  ;  age,  42  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803;  died  March  23,  1887,  AVarner,  N.  H. 

PRIVATES. 

Henry  G.  Adams,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1802;  age,  21  ;  appointed  corporal  June  17, 
1803  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  died  August  9, 
1877,  at  Newbury,  N.  H. 

Israel  Adams,  born,  Newbury,  N.  H. ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  29,  1802  ;  age,  30  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  April  3,  1890,  at  Button,  N.  H. 

Dexter  W.  Allen,  born,  Newport,  X.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  12,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Chicago,  111. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE 


Henry  William  Badger  was  born  in  Newport,  N.  H., 
May  4,  1842.  Responded  to  the  first  call  of  President 
Lincoln  by  enlisting  as  private  in  the  First  New  Hamp 
shire  Regiment,  serving  the  full  term.  He  re-enlisted 
October  9,  1862,  in  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  as  a  member 
of  the  Regimental  Band,  being  at  that  time  a  member  of 
the  Newport  Cornet  Band.  Tie  was  mustered  in  Com 
pany  H,  and  served  writh  the  regiment,  lie  returned  to 
New  Hampshire  in  a  very  weakened  condition,  having 
been  ordered  to  enter  the  hospitals  at  Port  Hudson, 
Natchez,  Yicksburg,  Memphis,  and  Cairo,  but  through 


;M4  HISTOKY    OF    tllE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 

the  kindness  of  stronger  comrades  and  a  determination 
not  to  be  left  behind  was  enabled  to  reach  Concord  and 
his  home  the  same  day.  A  severe  illness  of  three 
months  followed,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  obtained 
his  discharge  papers.  From  1804  to  1882  he  Avas  engaged 
in  building  operations  in  his  native  town  and  in  Man 
chester,  N.  H.  From  1882  to  the  present  time  has  had 
charge  of  the  wood  manufacturing  department,  and  is 
also  instructor  to  the  students  in  their  wood  practice,  at 
the  Washburn  shops  of  the  Worcester  Polytechnic  In 
stitute,  Worcester,  Mass. 

Stephen  R.  Bailey,  born,  Bath,  Vt. ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1808  ; 
died  August  24,  1808,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

I^evi  W.  Barnes,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  21),  1802  ;  age,  38  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  Bradford,  N.  H. 

Hollis  C.  Brockway,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  30,  1802  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  Warner,  N.  H. 

John  C.  Carkin,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  4,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
P.  O.  address  South  Lyndeboro,  N.  H. 

Charles  D.  Cheney,  born,  Ilillsboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  17,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1808;  died  February  20,  181)7,  at  Charlestown,  Mass. 

Daniel  Cheney,  born,  Sutton,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  17,  1802;  age,  43  ;  discharged  June  27,  1808,  at  New 
Orleans,  La.;  died  since  mustered  out. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS. 

Luke  Cheney,  born,  Newbury,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  29,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  died  August  3,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Alphouso  Colby,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sept. 
17,  1862;  age,  19;  died  May  11,  1863,  at  Brashear  City,  La. 

Charles  G.  Davis,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  30,  1862  ;  age,  18.  He  participated  in  the  defense 
of  Fort  Butler,  Donaldsonville,  La.,  June  28  to  July  0, 
1863.  He  was  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  ad 
dress  Punta  Grorda,  Fla. 

Curtis  Z/.  Davis,  born,  Bradford,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  November  17,  1866,  at  Bradford,  N.  H. 

Dustin  W.  Davis,  born,  Satton,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  since  mustered  out. 

Charles  H.  Dickey,  [Charles  H.  Dibbey  is  the  name 
given  in  Adjt.  Gen. 's  report]  born,  Manchester,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  17,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863. 

Justus  A.  Dunbar,  born,  Weare,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
August  20,  1862;  age,  20 ;  died  February  10,  1863,  at 
Carroll  ton,  La. 

William  N.  Dunfield,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  11,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  June  27,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Henry  M.  ^airfield,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862;  age,  23  ;  discharged  February  17, 
1803,  at  Concord,  N.  II.;  P.  O.  address  11  Arlington 
street,  Nashua,  N.  II. 


516  HISTORY    OF    TII'K    SI  XT  ti  EXT  It 


Edmund  P.  Fox,  of  Company  H,  Sixteenth  Regiment 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  was  born  in  New  Boston, 
N.  II.,  June  18,  1831).  He  enlisted  April  27,  1861,  in  the 
First  Regiment  New  Hampshire  Volunteers;  re-enlisted 
in  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  October  10,  1862,  and  served 
until  mustered  out.  He  re-enlisted  in  the  Eighteenth 
Regiment,  New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  on  September  20, 
3864,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was 
elected  town  clerk  of  New  Boston,  X.  H.,  in  1883,  and 
has  held  the  office  since  by  re-election.  He  is  engaged 
in  business  in  his  native  town. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  5l7 

Charles  H.  Flanders,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
Sept.  17,  1862;  age,  24;  died  Aug.  9,  1863,  at  Cairo,  111. 

Alfred  C.  Frazier,  born,  New  York  ;  enlisted  October 
31,  1862;  age,  21  ;  deserted  November  4,  1862,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

Edward  H.  Gibbs,  born,  Sudbury,  Mass.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  20,  1862  ;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  186)3  ; 
died  since  mustered  out. 

Gardner  Gove,  born,  Weare,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  12,  1862  ;  age,  43  ;  died  August  19,  1863,  at  Memphis, 
Teim. 

Lorrhnan  G.  Gove,  born,  Lowell,  Mass.;  enlisted  No 
vember  15,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Freetown,  Mass. 

Blanchard  A.  Hardy,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  18,  1862;  age,  23;  died  August  11,  1863,  at 
Mound  City,  111. 

Justice  C.  Harrhnan,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  died  May  4,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

David  Harvey,  born,  Boston,  Mass  ;  enlisted  October 
31,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  deserted  November  4,  1862,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

Andrew  Harwood,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  died  August  12,  1863,  near 
Vicksburg,  Miss. 

John  M.  Hemphill,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862;  age,  18;  died  April  30,  1863,  at 
New  Orleans,  La. 


T)18  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Micah  C.  Howe,  born,  Newbury,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  11,  1862;  age,  25;  transferee!  from  (Company  A  ; 
mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  ().  address  Henniker, 
N.  H. 

Henry  Hoyt,  born,  Bradford,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  30,  1862;  age,  22;  died  July  18,  1863,  at  Port  Hud 
son,  La. 

James  M.  Hoyt,  born,  Hillsboro,  N.  11.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  18(52  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  ().  address  East  Washington,  N.  H. 


NEW  ii  A  3i  PS  IT  IKE  VOLUNTEERS. 


510 


.cnrj/ 


Henry  1^.  Johnson  was  born  in  Springfield,  N.  H., 
March  10,  1845.  lie  enlisted  at  AVarner  September  15, 
1802,  as  a  private  in  Company  II,  Sixteenth  Regiment. 
He  served  with  the  regiment  until  May,  1863.  He  was 
in  the  brilliant  defense  of  Fort  Butler,  at  Ponaldson- 
ville,  La.,  and  in  other  active  service  at  the  front  until 
ordered  to  return  to  the  regiment.  He  was  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803.  His  home,  noted  for  its  good  cheer 
and  abounding  hospitality,  [the  historian  inserts  this 
without  Comrade  Johnson's  request]  has  been  in  Wash 
ington,  I).  C.,  since  1875.  He  was  elected  president  of 


520  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

the  Regimental  Association  at  the  August,  1894,  encamp 
ment,  and  was  unanimously  re-elected  in  '95  and  '96. 

George  P.  Jones,  born,  Warner,  N.  PL;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  22,  1802;  age,  18.  He  WHS  at  Fort  Butler,  Don- 
aldsonville,  La.,  during  the  attack  of  the  Confederates 
under  General  Green.  lie  was  discharged  to  date  Aug 
ust  20,  1863;  died  September  12,  18(58,  at  Warner.  N.  H. 

Joseph  Kesar,  [Joseph  KezarJ  born,  Sutton,  N.  II. , 
enlisted  October  30,  1862;  age,  44  ;  discharged  May  10, 
1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  died  since  the  war  at  Sutton, 
N.  IT. 

Henry  B.  Kimball,  born,  Ilillsboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  April  17,  1867,  at  Bradford,  N.  II. 

Albert  F.  Marstins,  [Albert  V.  Mastins  is  the  name 
given  in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Sutton,  IN1.  II.;  en 
listed  September  6,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  died  April  29,  1863, 
at  Brashear  City,  La. 

Charles  H.  Melvin,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862;  age,  27;  discharged  to  date  Aug 
ust  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Bradford,  N.  II. 

Drum  Major  Edward  Nettleton,  born,  Newport,  N. 
H.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  taken  prisoner 
March  17,  1863  ;  paroled  April  4,  1863  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

John  C.  Ordway,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  25,  1862;  age,  28;  appointed  corporal  June 
13,  1863;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address 
Milford,  NVH. 


E  W    H A M PSH I  It  K    VOLT  X  T E E H S . 


521 


John    97?.    Johnson. 

John  M.  Johnson  was  born  in  llenniker,  N.  H.,  July 
29,  184:-}.  He  enlisted  at  Warner  September  15,  1802,  as 
a  private  in  Company  II,  Sixteenth  Regiment ;  served 
the  full  period  of  enlistment  and  was  mustered  out  Au 
gust  20.  1803.  Resided  at  Warner,  N.  II.,  where  he 
died,  April  8,  1890,  aged  52  years  9  months  and  10  days. 

William  H.  Ordway,  born,  Lyndeboro,  JST.  II.;  en 
listed  October  81,  18(>2;  age,  25;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1808;  P.  ().  address  Manchester,  N.  II. 

Horace  Osgood,  born,  Francestown,  N.  11.;  enlisted 
October  28,  1802;  age,  23;  appointed  corporal  May  8, 


522  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

1863  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address 
Lowell,  Mass. 

Amos  Parker,  born,  Sutton,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber,  16,  1862;  nge,  35;  died  April  21,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Horace  Peabody,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  PL;  enlisted 
September  17,  1862  ,  nge,  23  ;  died  June  8,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Luther  S.  Peabody,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  17,  1862;  age,  18;  died  July  6,  1863, 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

John  Pearson,  born,  Lyndeboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  18,  1862;  age,  29;  died  June  17,  1863,  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La. 

Robert  B.  Roby,  born,  Button,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Novem 
ber  1,  1862;  age,  33;  deserted  November  22,  1862,  at 
Concord,  N.  II.;  P.  O.  address  South  Sutton,  N.  II. 

William  D.  Roby,  born,  Sutton,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  21)  ;  appointed  corporal  ;  discharged 
to  date  August  20,  1863  ;  died  August  22,  1863,  at  Sutton, 
N.  H. 

Leonard  Rogers,  born,  Norwich,  Conn.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  deserted  November  10,  1862,  at 
Concord,  N.  II. 

James  C.  Rowe,  born,  Boscawen,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  16,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Ilopkinton,  N.  II. 

George  W.  Russell,  born,  Mason,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  22,  1862;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 


ttEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  523 

David  P.  Sargent,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  20,  1862;  age,  21  ;  died  July  10,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Prank  B.  Sargent,  born,  New  London,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  10,  1862  ;  age.  18  ;  appointed  corporal  June 
10,  1863;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address 
Warner,  N.  H. 

Hamilton  P.  Sargent,  born,  Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  17,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  June  10,  1863,  at  Bra 
sh  ear  City,  La. 

Leonard  B.  Sargent,  born,  Warner,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  11),  1862  ;  age,  29  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  November  14,  1865,  at  Warner,  N.  H. 

Moses  D.  Sargent,  born, Warner,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  22,  1862;  age,  28;  deserted  November  10,  1862, 
at  Concord,  N.  H. 

Moses  J.  Seavey,  born,  Henniker,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862;  age,  21  ;  died  August  3,  1863,  near 
Vicksburg,  Miss. 

George  Frederick  Smith,  born,  Bradford,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  August  30,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  appointed  corporal  ;  died 
June  19,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Chester  Spanlding,  born,  Washington,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  8,  18(52  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  since  the  war. 

Edward  Stevens,  born,  Bradford,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  20,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  West  Concord,  N.  H. 

Charles  B.  Thompson,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  13,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  to  date  August 


524  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  17  New  street,  East  Boston,  Mass. 

George  I/.  Ward,  born,  Henniker,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
August  29,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Bradford,  N.  H. 

Leonard  H.  Wheeler,  born,  New  London,  N.  IT.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1862;  age,  39;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863;  died  August  14,  1877,  at  Sutton,  N.  TI. 

Benjamin  K.  Whitcomb,  born,  Sutton,  N.  II. ;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  died  July  22,  1863,  at  Port 
Hudson,  La. 

Clarence  L.  Wilkins,  born,  Warner,  N.  IT.;  enlisted 
September  11),  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  appointed  hospital  steward 
July  2,  1863  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53;  died  since 
the  war. 

Benjamin  13.  Wilson,  born,  New  Boston,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  October  2,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  March  25,  1863,  at 
Baton  Rouge,  La. 


ROSTER    OF     COMPANY    I 


Captain    "David    Z&uffum. 

Captain  David  Bnffiim,  2d,  enlisted  October  If),  18(>:2; 
age,  41  ;  died  June  10,  1S<>:>,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

First  Lieutenant  Judson  Wllkin*,  son  of  Abram 
and  Sarah  Einnions  \Vilkins,  was  born  in  Peterboro, 
N.  PI.,  March  4,  1801).  His  early  advantages  were  very 
meagre,  and  the  education  of  his  youth  was  the  result 
of  observation  rather  than  that  of  school  privileges.  At 
the  early  age  of  sixteen  years  he  enlisted  in  the  State 
Militia,  and  gradually  rose  through  the  different  ranks 
from  first  lieutenant  to  captain,  major,  lieu tenent  colonel 
and  colonel  of  the  Twenty-second  Regiment  New  Hamp 
shire  State  Militia,  which  he  commanded  three  years. 


526 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


r  i 


i 


^/rst   a£('eutenant   ^yuctso 

He  was  extensively  engaged  in  manufacturing  and  in 
hotel  business  and  staging  in  Amherst,  Wilton,  Mil  ford 
and  Lowell,  Mass.  After  the  survey  of  the  Wilton  rail 
road  he  opened  the  Pine  Valley  House  in  Milford,  board 
ing  and  having  charge  of  help  until  the  completion  of 
the  road.  In  1851  he  moved  ro  'Washington,  N.  H., 
where  he  soon  after  bought  the  Lovell  House  and  ran  it 
as  a  hotel  until  August,  18(>2,  when  he  enlisted  as  a  pri 
vate  in  Company  T,  Sixteenth  Regiment.  He  was  com 
missioned  first  lieutenent  of  his  company  in  November. 
Lieutenant  Wilkins  passed  the  voyage  from  New  York 
(Jity  to  New  Orleans  in  joyful  anticipation,  of  nieeting 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  527 

his  son  Hamilton,  a  member  of  the  Eighth  New  Hamp 
shire  "Volunteers,  but  upon  his  arrival  he  received  the 
sad  intelligence  that  his  son  had  died  with  swam])  fever 
on  the  fifteenth  of  December,  live  days  previous  to  his 
arrival.  This  seemed  a  cruel  blow  by  which  he  was  left 
childless. 

June  20,  1868,  he  received  his  commission  as  captain, 
and  was  discharged  as  such  with  the  regiment  August 
20,  1868,  his  term  of  service  having  expired.  He  served 
faithfully  with  the  regiment  in  all  its  movements  at  Bra- 
shear  City,  Fort  Barton  and  the  siege  about  and  in  Port 
Hudson  after  its  surrender.  He  died  July  14,  1887. 


528  ITISTOKY    OF    Till:    SIXTEENTH     REGIMENT 


iSccond  ^d'cufenant  ^Brooks  */f.    t^Scbbc/-. 

Second  Lieutenant  Brooks  K.  Webber  \vas  born  in 
Boscawen,  N.  II.,  August  1.7,  1887.  Tie  was  admitted  to 
the  New  Hampshire  bar  in  1851),  and  enlisted  in  the  full 
of  18C>2,  from  Antrim,  N.  II.  "Before  the  regiment  left  the 
state  he  was  commissioned  second  lieutenant  of  Com 
pany  I.  In  the  summer  of  1<S(>;>,  lie  was  commissioned 
first  lieutenant,  but  never  mustered  in.  On  returning 
home  he  resumed  his  profession  at  Antrim  and  was  mar 
ried  in  ISC,:?.  lu  ISC>r>  he  moved  to  1 1 illsboro,  N.  11., 
where  he  has  since  lived,  and  practiced  his  profession. 


HEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  529 

First  Sergeant  Charles  W.  Scott,  born,  Richmond, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  6,  1862;  age,  24;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Winchester,  N.  II. 

Second  Sergeant  Rufns  Freeman,  born,  Sharon, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September  5,  1862;  age,  30;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  ().  address  Keene,  N.  K. 

Third  Sergeant  George  W.  Carr,  born,  Washington, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  8,  1862;  age,  35;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  East  Washington, 
N.  II. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Joseph  H.  Hill,  born,  Royalston. 
Mass.;  enlisted  October!),  1862;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  31  Carroll  street,  Wor 
cester.  Mass. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Stephen  W.  Williams,  born,  War 
wick,  Mass.;  enlisted.  September  12,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  must 
ered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  44  Cottage  street, 
Cambridgeport,  Mass. 

First  Corporal  Oscar  C.  Stiles,  born,  Greenfield,  N. 
II.;  enlisted  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  41  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  Greenfield.  N.  H.,  May  27,  1896, 
aged  75. 

Second  Corporal  Julius  M.  Whipple,  born,  Rich 
mond,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September  5.  1862  ;  age.  28  ;  must 
ered  (jut  August  20,  1863  ;  died  in  1894. 


580 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


V. 


Corporai 


iS. 


Third  Corporal  Joseph  S.  Brooks  was  born  in  Unity, 
Maine,  and  enlisted  September  15,  1802;  age,  41.  He 
moved  to  Antrim,  N.  II.,  about  1848  and  enlisted  Sep 
tember  1  5,  1862.  He  was  appointed  corporal  in  Company 
I.  He  died  of  dysentery  on  his  way  home  August  27, 
1863,  at  Memphis,  Tenn.  Experienced  religion  during 
his  army  life,  so  it  was  said  of  him,  'klle  lost  life  but 


gained  Heaven." 


Fourth  Corporal  Daniel  ft.  Woodward,  born,   Troy, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  6,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out 


HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  531 

August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  care  Bonsfield  Wooden 
Ware  Co.,  Minneai>olis,  Minn. 

Fifth  Corporal  Lucius  H.  Wilson,  born,  Washing  ton, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  Septembers,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863  ;  died  at  East  Washington,  N.  H.,  since 
the  war. 

Sixth  Corporal  Leonard  Lymau,  born,  Troy,  N.  H.; 
enlisted  September  13,  1862;  age,  26;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863 ;  died  October  26,  1894,  at  Saginaw, 
Mich. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEG  I 


Scvent/i   Corpora/  *Z>avi'ct  ?£ 

Seventh  Corporal  David  W.  Hill,  Company  I,  Six 
teenth  Regiment,  was  born  in  West  Swanzey,  N.  II., 
April  4,  1S')8,  and  came  of  a  patriotic  race.  His  father 
was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  his  grandfather  was 
in  the  Revolutionary  War  and  fought,  at  the  battle  of 
Hunker  Hill. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  left  home  in  18f>U  and  went 
to  Cambridge,  Mass.,  to  learn  the  brass-finisher  trade 
wit  h  the  ,1.  .!.  \Yalworth  Mann  fact  uriug  Company.  When 
the  war  broke  out  he  left  the  shop  and  went  to  his  native 
town  and  enlisted  September  (>,  1S02,  under  David 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  f)33 

Buffum,  who  afterwards  was  captain.  He  enlisted  as  a 
private,  but  was  promoted  to  a  corporal  while  in  camp 
at  Concord. 

While  in  the  swamps  of  Louisiana  he  contracted  rheu 
matism,  chills  and  fever,  and  has  suffered  a  great  deal  in 
consequence.  He  was  on  board  the  gunboat  Clifton  in 
the  engagement  with  the  Confederate  gunboat  Mary  77., 
at  Fort  Burton,  Butte  a  la  Rose,  La.,  April  20,  1803. 

The  Cliff  on  carried  seven  guns,  two  nine-inch  Dahl- 
grens,  four  smooth-bore  forty-two  pounders  and  one 
thirty  pounder  Parrot,  and  a  crew  of  good,  brave  fellows 
as  ever  walked  a  deck. 

lie  was  mustered  out  with  his  regiment  at  Concord,  N. 
II.,  August  20,  1808.  He  returned  to  Cambridge  and 
learned  his  trade, remaining  with  theWalworth  Company, 
eight  years.  He  then  went  to  the  city  of  New  York  for 
two  years,  and  Newport.  R.  I.,  for  about  five  years,  then 
to  Ilaydenville,  Mass.,  about  eighteen  years  ago,  and  has 
worked  for  the  Ilaydenville  Manufacturing  Company 
ever  since.  Was  on  the  board  of  engineers  several  years 
and  was  chief  engineer  of  the  fire  department.  He  has 
been  a  member  of  Amicable  Lodge  of  F  and  A  Masons, 
of  Cambridge,  for  thirty  years  and  of  Washington  Com 
ma  ndery  No.  4,  Knights  Templar,  of  Newport,  R.  L,  for 
nearly  twenty  years.  He  is  also  a  member  of  W.  L. 
Baker  Post  80.  (1.  A.  R,,  of  Northampton,  Mass,  lie 
resides  on  South  Main  street,  Haydenville,  Mass. 

Highth  Corporal  Cyrus  H.  Siinonds,  born,  Antrim, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  IT),  1802;  age,  3f>  ;  mustered 
out  Aug.  20,  1803  ;  died  March  30,  181)2,  at  Antrim,  N.  H. 


534  HISTORY     OF    TttE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Musician  William  J.  Bradford,  born,  Hudson,  Maine; 
enlisted  October  13,1862:  age,  23  ;  discharged  to  date 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  69  Main  street,  Saco, 
Maine. 

Musician  Harrison  H.  Hardy,  born,  Francestown, 
N.  H.;  enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age,  32  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  11 08  Harrison  avenue 
Boston,  Mass. 

Wagoner  Nahum  Putney,  bom,  Fitzwilliam,  N.  H., 
enlisted  September  5,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  died  June  12,  1863. 
at  Algiers,  La. 

PRIVATES. 

Roswcll  C.  Aldrich,  [Roswell  O.  Aldrich  in  Adjt. Gen's 
report]  born,  Marlboro,  Yt. ;  enlisted  September  6,  1862; 
age,  24  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address 
AVestport,  N.  H. 

Andrew  S.  Arnold,  born,  Winchester,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  13,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Tolland,  Conn. 

Alden  F.  Ballon,  born,  Richmond,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863;  died  September  2,  1863,  at  Chicago,  111. 

Oilman  Jy.  Beckwith,  born,  Lempster,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  died  June  18,  1863,  at  Car 
roll  ton,  La. 

Leonard  O.  Bixby,  born,  Acworth,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  If),  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  died  January  27,  1863,  at 
Carrollton,  La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS  535 

Albert  W.  Bolles,  born,  Richmond,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
Septembers,  1862;  age,  1.8;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  since  the  Avar. 

Sanford  Bowles,  born,  Lisbon,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  6,  1862;  age,  37;  died  June  7,  1863,  at  Brashear 
City,  La. 

Henry  R.  Bowen,  born,  Richmond,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862;  age,  22;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  died  at  Swanzey,  1890. 

Smith  H.  Brockway,  born,  Washington,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1862;  age,  27;  discharged  for  dis 
ability  December  4,  1862,  at  Concord,  N.  H.;  P.  O.  ad 
dress  Marlow,  N.  H. 

James  H.  Buffum,  born,  Richmond,  X.  II.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Spofford,  N.  II. 

Jarvis  Cass,  born,  Richmond,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Nov.  1, 
1862;  age,  44;  died  June  20,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Albert  Cram,  born  Dublin,  N.  II.;  enlisted  September 
1,  1862;  age,  26;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O. 
address  Antrim,  N.  H. 

Henry  Crane,  born,  Washington,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  2,  1863  ;  age,  43  ;  died  May  24,  1863,  at  Butte  a  la 
Rose,  La. 

I^evi  M.  Curtis,  born,  Antrim,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  15,  1862  ;  age,  27  ;  mustered  out,  August  20,  1863  ;  P. 
O.  address  Antrim,  N.  II. 

Gilman  S.  Danforth,  born,  Acworth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  for  disabilities 
May  30,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  died  1875. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Lorenzo  Dexter,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  September  21,  1892,  at  Troy,  N.  Y. 

John  G.  Dingman,  born,  Canajoharie,  N.  Y.;  enlisted 
September  f),  1862;  age,  43  ;  mustered  out  August  ^0, 
1863  ;  died  1892  at  Winchester,  N.  IT. 

Gihnan  Dunlap,  born,  Antrim,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1802  ;  age,  41  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
was  appointed  sergeant,  but  reduced  to  the  ranks  for 
some  trivial  excuse  to  promote  another  man  ;  died  187ft. 

Horatio  A.  Eaton,  born,  Washington,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  22,  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
18(53  ;  P.  ().  address -18  Factory  street,  Nashua,  N.  II. 

Stephen  S.  French,  born,  \Vinchester,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
November  13,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53; 
re-enlisted  in  Company  I,  Ninth  New  Hampshire  Volun 
teers  ;  lost  a  leg  before  Petersburg,  Va.,  June,  1804;  P. 
O.  address  14ol  West  Third  street,  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Charles  H.  Gray,  born,  Lebanon,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  20,  1802;  age,  21  ;  deserted  November  1,  18(52,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 

Reuben  S.  Green,  born,  Stoddard,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  29,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  died  June  21,  1803,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

William  Wallace  Hall,  son  of  Captain  Kbene/er  Hall, 
was  born  at  Washington,  N.  IT.,  May  8,  1838.  At  the 
age  of  eight  he  was  apprenticed  to  an  uncle  on  a  farm 
during  his  minority.  His  education  was  received  in  a 
district  school  of  from  ten  to  fourteen  weeks  schooling  a 
year,  with  one  term  at  Tubbs1  Union  Academy  at  Wash- 


NEW    IT  AMPS  II  TIM-:    VOLUNTEERS. 


i 


it    i 

- 


ington.     On   arriving  at  his  majority  he 'returned    li 

to  care  for  an  invalid  father  and  mother,  and  continued 
fanning  until  September  K>,  1862,  Avlien  he  enlisted  in 
Company  1,  Sixteenth  llegiment.  lie  participated  with 
the  regiment  in  all  its  movements,  being  absent  only 
eleven  days,  when  sick  with  the  measles  in  hospital  ar 
Carrollton,  La.  lie  returned  home  and  was  mustered  out 
with  the  regiment  August  20,  38(5:}.  In  consequence  of 
his  army  exposures  and  experiences,  he  was  on  his  re 
turn  "  a  mere  walking  skeleton/'  He  regained  his  health 
sufficiently,  however,  to  permit  him  to  engage  again  in 
farming.  Since  1876,  he  has  resided  in  I'nity,  ]NT.  II. 


038  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


r 


ar/cs 


Charles  Hart,  the  subject  oi  this  sketch,  the  young 
est  son  of  Charles  and  Ruth  (Hay)  Hart,  was  born 
in  Stoddard,  N.  H.,  February  23,  1834.  He  attended 
the  village  school  until  twelve  years  of  age  and  then  en 
gaged  in  farming.  When  nineteen  years  of  age  he  mar 
ried  Lois  Due,  of  Hancock,  N.  II.  He  then  moved  to 
Antrim,  N.  II.,  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  until  1802, 
when  he  laid  aside  all  home  ties  and  enlisted  in  (Jo.  I, 
Sixteenth  Regiment,  serving  nine  months,  when  he 
was  honorably  discharged  by  expiration  of  service, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  539 

In  1804  lie  re-enlisted  in  Company  E,  Heavy  Artillery, 
First  New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  and  serving  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  On  returning  home  lie  purchased  a 
farm,  in  Hancock,  N.  II.,  where  he  lived  for  several 
years,  and  since  that  time  he  has  made  farming  his  occu 
pation.  He  now  owns  and  lives  on  his  farm,,in  Hills- 
boro,  N.  II.,  where  he  and  his  dear  wife  enjoy  a  delight 
ful  and  happy  home. 

Justus  Heath,  born,  Stoddard,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  21),  1802;  age,  44;  died  June  27,  1803,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Dennis  Herlahy,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  September 
11,  1802;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  died 
1881  on  the  Hudson  river. 

George  J/.  Herrick,  born,  Milford,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  IT),  1802;  age,  2,5  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803;  P.  ().  address  Bennington,  N.  11. 

Sylvester  Hovey,  born,  Swanzey,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
died  1804  at  Swanzey,  N.  II. 

Theodore  Hovey,  born,  Swanzey,  N.  11.  ;  enlisted 
October  13,  18(52;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  1804  at  Swanzey,  N.  II. 

Lemuel  O.  Hunt,  born,  Swanzey,  N.  II.,  enlisted  No 
vember  13,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Omaha,  Neb. 

George  Johnson,  born,  Hartford,  Conn.;  enlisted  No 
vember  18,  1802  ;  age,  24  ;  deserted  November  24,  1802, 
New  York  Citv. 


540  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Joseph  Johnson,  born,  Hartford,  Conn.;  enlisted  No 
vember  18,  186*2  ;  age,  22  ;  deserted  November  24,  1862, 
New  York  City. 

David  W.  Lacey,  [David  W.  Lucy  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  Gen.'s  report]  born,  Jaffrey,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  18,  1862  ;  age,  33;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  September  22,  1885,  at  East  Jaffrey,  N.  II. 

John  P.  L/ang,  born,  Wurtemburg,  Germany  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862  ;  age,  45  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Troy,  N.  H. 

Joseph  Leeds,  born,  Franklin,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  9,  1862  ;  age,  24  ;  died  June  16,  1863,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Patrick  Mahoney,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  September 
20,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863. 

John  C.  Millen,  born,  Washington,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  8,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  November  6,  1896,  at  Washington,  N.  II. 

Moses  P.  Millen,  born,  Washington,  N.  IT.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  ;  age,  23  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  East  Andover,  N.  II. 

Addison  C.  Messinger,  born,  Stoddard,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  29,  1862  ;  age,  25  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  killed  at  Cold  Harbor,  June  3,  1864. 

John  A.  Morse,  born,  Douglass,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  February  24,  1882,  at  Winchester,  N.  II, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    AT()LITNTEERS-. 


541 


"Uristram    9/f.     SPaiffe. 

Tristram  M.  Paige  was  born  in  Antrim,  IN'.  II. ,  April 
25,  1836.  He  was  a  descendant  of  John  Paige,  who  was 
born  in  Dedham,  England,  and  came  to  this  country  in 
1586,  in  Governor  Winthrop's  company,  and  was  one  of 
the  founders  of  Boston  in  1630. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  married  Lizzie  M.  AYhit- 
inore  November,  1808.  He  was  in  the  bedstead  business 
until  his  factory  was  burned,  February  8,  1870.  Since 
then  he  has  worked  for  his  brother,  E.  C.  Paige.  He 
lias  no  children. 


542  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

He  enlisted  September  If),  1802,  aged  "26,  and  was  mus 
tered  out  August  20,  1863.  His  post-office  address  is 
Antrim,  N.  II . 

While  in  the  army  he  believed  in  the  right  of  confis 
cation  rather  than  starvation,  and  several  amusing  stories 
are  told  of  his  fearless  and  open  appropriation  of  food 
and  useful  articles,  not  for  his  own  use,  but  for  that  of 
his  company. 

John  A.  Paine,  born,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  enlisted  No 
vember  1,  1802  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1868  ; 
died  -  — ,  1863. 

Dexter  Palmer,  born,  Richmond,  N.  II.;  enlisted  No 
vember  1,  1862  ;  age,  39  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  August  23,  1863,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  548 


I 


; 


C/tarJas  ^rcnc/i     Parmenter. 

Charles  French  Parmenter  was  the  son  of  George 
F.  and  Lucinda  (Green)  Parmenter  and  grandson  of 
Deacon  Amos  and  Tryphena  (Bannister)  Parmenter.  He 
was  born  in  Dover,  N.  H.,  August  28,  1888.  He  was 
educated  in  the  common  schools  of  Antrim.  He  enlisted 
September  lo,  1802.  Died  at  Carrollton,  La.,  February 
11,  1808.  His  body  was  brought  home  and  lies  in  Maple- 
wood  Cemetery,  Antrim. 

Francis  S.  Piper,  born,  Sterling,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
October  8,  1802  ;  age,  18  ;  died  August  18,  1808,  at  Mem 
phis,  Tenn. 


544  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


Wallace  I/.  Reed  was  born  in  Newport  N.  H.,  July 
22,  1842.  Left  school  to  enlist  in  Company  I,  Sixteenth 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers.  AVas  with  his  regiment  at 
Carroll  ton,  "Butte  a  la  Rose,  Port  Hudson  and  other 
"summer  resorts.'1  AVas  discharged  at  Concord  after 
serving  full  time.  Is  now  (March  1,  1897)  a  well  known 
citizen  of  his  native  town. 

Richard  R.  Ramsdell,  born,  Richmond,  N.  H  ;  en 
listed  September  18,  1802  ;  age,  81  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1803  ;  died  1894  at  Swan/ey,  N.  H. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  545 

Darius  Ritchie,  born,  Jaflrey,  N.  II. ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  26  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1803;  died  August  27,  1863,  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

George  C.  Ritchie,  born,  Peterboro,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  31  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  East  Jaffrey,  N.  H. 

Edward  W.  Severance,  born,  Washington,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  2,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  East  Washington,  N.  H. 

Patrick  Sheehan,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  September 
11,  1862  ;  age,  28  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O. 
address  West  Gardiner,  Mass. 

Stilman  F.  Simons,  born,  Dunstable,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Soldiers'  Home,  Tiltou,  X.  H. 


54(5 


HISTORY    OF    TltE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


George  Wilkins  Smith,  son  of  Captain  Leander 
Smith,  was  born  in  Mount  Yeruon,  N.  II.,  A  prill  9,  1835. 
lie  came  to  Antrim  with  his  father  in  1800,  and  enlisted 
September  IT),  1802,  as  private  in  Company  I,  Sixteenth 
Regiment.  He  was  mustered  out  August  20,  1803,  and 
died  October  lf>  of  the  same  year  in  consequence  of  his 
severe  army  exposures,  at  Antrim,  N.  II.  He  was  tlie 
last  of  three  brothers  who  gave  their  lives  in  the  patriotic 
defence  of  the  Union. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE   VOLUNTEERS.  547 

Ira  C.  Smith,  [Ira  Smith  is  the  name  given  in  Adjt. 
Gen. 's  report]  born,  Hubbardston,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  15,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  March  20,  1880,  at  East  Kludge,  N.  H. 

Samuel  P.  Stephenson,  born,  Swanzey,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  14,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  for  disabilities 
March  9,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  P.  O.  address  South 
Glens  Falls,  N.  Y. 

Demerit  W.  Stone,  [Demerit  Stone  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  Gen.'s  report]  born,  Swanzey,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  13,  1862  ;  age,  18;  died  June  18,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Henry  S.  Strickland,  born,  Lempster,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  oat  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  March  16,  1893,  at  Newport,  N.  H. 

Alfred  A.  Tolman,  born,  Troy,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
died  November  23,  1864,  at  Keene,  N.  H. 

Henry  B.  Tolman,  born,  Troy,  N.  H.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  5,  1862  ;  age,  19  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ; 
P.  O.  address  Richmond,  N.  H. 

John  Trainor,  [John  Tranor  is  name  given  in  Adjt. 
Gen's  report]  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted  November 
14,  1862;  age,  19  ;  deserted  November  14,  1862,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  H. 

H.  Dwight  Twitchell,  [Edward  I).  Twitchell  is  the 
name  given  in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Ontario,  N.  Y.; 
enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  58  Hudson  street,  Rochester, 
N.  Y. 


548  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Tolford  R.  Twitchell,  born,  Webster,  N.  Y.;  en 
listed  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  East  Washington,  N.  H. 

Grains  J.  Vary,  [Oratus  J.  Yerry  is  the  name  given 
in  Adjt.  Gen's  report]  born,  Calais,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
October  4,  1862  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
P.  O.  address  West  Swanzey,  N.  H. 

Noyes  G.  Wheeler,  born,  Troy,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  8,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  discharged  for  disabilities  June 
2,  1«63,  at  New  Orleans,  La.;  P.  O.  address  Orange, 
Mass. 

Vibbert  C.  Whipple,  born,  Warwick,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  5,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863;  P.  O.  address  Readsboro,  Yt. 

William  (W.}  Whipple,  (2d)  born,  Warwick,  Mass., 
enlisted  September  5,  1862  ;  age,  33  ;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Rindge,  N.  H. 

Sanford  S,  Wilber,  born,  Amherst,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  9,  1862;  age,  41  ;  died  July  21,  1863,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

John  Williams,  born,  Manchester,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
November  14,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  deserted  November  14, 
1862,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

Thomas  Nelson  Woodward,  born,  Hubbardston, 
Mass.;  enlisted  October  8,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  address  Keene,  N.  H. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  K. 


Captai 

Captain  Joseph  K.  Thacher,  born,  Biddeford,  Maine; 
appointed  captain  Nov.  4,1802;  age,  37  ;  mustered  out 
Aug.  20,  1808;  died  Jan.  5,  1892,  at  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

First  Lieutenant  George  T.  Wildes,  born,  Massa 
chusetts  ;  enlisted  October  21,  1802  ;  age,  29  ;  died  April 
20,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La.  See  page  00. 

Second  Lieutenant  William  A.  Haven,  born,  Ports 
mouth,  N.  H.;  enlisted  October  21,  1802;  age,  31;  ap 
pointed  second  lieutenant  November  4,  1802  ;  appointed 
first  lieutenant  April  25,  1803  ;  not  mustered;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  address  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 


5i)0  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEEXTH    REGIME  NT 


^Cicuf  cnant  <ffcor<?e  (j. 


First  Sergeant  James  H.  Emery,  born,  Portsmouth, 
X.  H.;  enlisted  September  1,  1862;  age,  23;  reduced  to 
ranks  May  10,  1803;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
died  August  f>,  1870. 

Second  Sergeant  John  H.  Morrill,  born,  Chelmsford, 
Mass.;  enlisted  September  17,  1802;  age,  27;  appointed 
first  sergeant  May  10,  1803;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  July  17,  1873. 

Third  Sergeant  Howard  M.  Chase,  born,  Stratham, 
N.  II.;  enlisted  September  12,  1802;  age,  22;  died  Au 
gust  17,  1803,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  551 

Fourth  Sergeant  Edwin  J.  Hohhs,  born,  Hampton, 
]NT.  H.;  enlisted  September  10,  18(52;  age,  35;  mustered 
out  August  20,  18(58  ;  P.  ().  address  Hampton,  N.  H. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Israel  S.  Fletcher,  born,  Phippsburg, 
Maine  ;  enlisted  September  22,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered 
out  August  20,  1863  ;  P.  O.  address  12  Pickering  street, 
Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

First  Corporal  Bleazor  O.  Additon,  born,  Hermon, 
Maine  ;  enlisted  October  13,  1802  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  Saco,  Maine. 

Seeond  Corporal  Nathaniel  Spinney,  born,  Eliot, 
Maine;  enlisted  October  8,  1802;  age,  21  ;  discharged 
March  12,  1803,  at  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

Third  Corporal  James  A.  Watcrhonse,    born,    Port 
land,  Maine  ;  enlisted  September  18,  1802  ;  age,  27  ;  must- 
tered  out   August   20,    1803  ;   P.    O.    address   2    Autumn 
street,   Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Fourth  Corporal  Daniel  (/>.)  Danielson,  born,  Ports 
mouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted  October  3,  1802;  age,  33;  must 
ered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O.  address  24  Hanover 
street,  Portsmouth,  N.  II. 

Fifth  Corporal  William  A.  Rand,  born,  Portsmouth, 
]NT.  H.;  enlisted  September  2,  18(52  :  age,  20  ;  mustered  out 
August  20,  1803  ;  volunteered  for  storming  party  at  Port 
Hudson,  La.,  under  General  Order  41)  ;  P.  O.  address 
South  Seabrook,  N.  II. 

Sixth  Corporal  Jacob  Haddock,  born,  Saint  Andrews, 
N.  B.;  enlisted  September  10,  18(52;  age,  40;  mustered 
out  August  20/J803, 


552  HISTOKY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Seventh  Corporal  John  B.  Le  Bosquet,  born,  Notting 
ham,  N.  H.;  enlisted  September  15,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  must 
ered  out  August  20,  1863. 

Eighth  Corporal  John  L.  Chase,  born,  Stratham,  ]ST. 
II.;  enlisted  September  12,  1862;  age,  20  ;  died  August 
20,  186I3,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 

Musician  Charles  H.  fidny,  born,  Greenland,  N.  II.; 
enlisted  September  4,  1862  ;  age,  17  ;  mustered  out  Au 
gust  20,  1863  ;  died  August  24,  1863. 

Musician  Samuel  Ruvill,  born,  Topsham,  Maine  ;  en 
listed  November  5,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  deserted  December 
4,  1862,  at  New  York  City. 

Wagoner  Henry  O.  Ellingwood,  born,  Bethel,  Maine; 
enlisted  September  1,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  died  March  1,  1863, 
at  Carrollton,  La. 

PRIVATES. 

Henry  B.  Adams,  born,  Farmington,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  31,  1862;  age,  27;  deserted  November  1,  1862, 
at  Concord,  N.  11. 

James  Anderson,  born,  Albany,  N.  Y.;  enlisted  No 
vember  f),  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863; 
died  June  28,  187(5. 

Samuel  G.  Armour,  born,  Scotland  ;  enlisted  October 
13,  1862;  age,  31;  deserted  November  3,  18(52,  at  Con 
cord.  N.  II. 

Charles  M.  Avery,  born,  Vershire,  Yt. ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  £»,  1862;  age,  11);  transferred  to  Company  A  Jan 
uary  1,  1808;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863;  P.  O.  ad 
dress,  Corinth,  Vt. 


KEW    HAMPSHIEE    VOLUNTEERS.  553 

Samuel  Blatchford,  born,  East/port,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  15,  1862  ;  age,  18  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Thomas  Brackett,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  28;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  died  July  29,  1895,  at  Portsmouth,  N.  II. 

Henry  Jf.  Carter,  born,  Dublin  ;  enlisted  October  27, 
1862  ;  age,  44;  died  June  24,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

George  E.  Chapman,  born,  Stratham,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  12,  1862  ;  age,  18;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863;  died  March  15,  1864,  at  Stratham,  N.  H. 

James  Cunningham,  born,  New  York  City  ;  enlisted 
September  19,  1862  ;  age,  44  ;  appointed  sergeant  June 
1,  1863  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  June  25, 
1890,  at  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Franklin  Dow,  born,  Kennelmnkport,  Maine  ;  en 
listed  September  20,  1862;  age,  26;  mustered  out  Aug 
ust  20,  1863. 

Isaac  C.  Drew,  born,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  ;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862  :  age,  22  ;  discharged  to  date  August 
20,  1863  ;  died  September  1,  1863,  in  hospital  at  Albany, 
N.  Y. 

William  Dutton,  born,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1862;  age,  30:  died  August  17,  1863,  at 
New  Orleans,  La, 

Hollis  W.  Fairbanks,  born,  Milford,  Mass.;  enlisted 
October  7,  1862;  age,  43;  deserted  December  3,  1862, 
at  New  York  City  ;  apprehended  June  7,  18(54  ;  dis 
charged  with  loss  of  pay  and  allowances  July  7,  1865, 
at  Concord, *N.  H. 


554  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Theodore  Fisher,  born,  Stoughton,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  27,  1862;  age,  27;  died  June  15,  1861-5,  at 
New  Orleans,  La. 

John  Flynn,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Octo 
ber  6,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(58. 

Otto  Franck,  born,  Prussia  ;  enlisted  November  1 , 
1862;  age,  28;  deserted  November  3,  1862,  at  Concord, 
N.  II. 

Frederick  Franz,  born,  Austria;  enlisted  October  17, 

1862  ;  age,  28  :   deserted  December  1,  1862,  at  New  York 
City. 

George  H.  Glawson,  born,  Boston,  Mass.  ;  enlisted 
November  21,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  discharged  July  24,  1868, 
at  Port  Hudson,  La.;  P.  O.  address  Hawk's  Park,  Fla. 

Charles  F.  Goodwin,  born,  Acton,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 

1863  ;  P.  O.  address  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Thomas  Goodwin,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  28,  1862  ;  age,  30  ;  deserted  November  11),  18(52,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 

Thomas  J.  Goodwin,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.;  en 
listed  September  16,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  deserted  January  6, 
1863,  at  Carrollton,  La. 

Charles  A.  C.  Gray,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
October  27,  1862  ;  age,  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53; 
P.  O.  address  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Alanson  Hadley,  born,  Columbia,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  13,  1862  ;  age,  38  ;  transferred  to  Company  A  Jan 
uary  1,  1863  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1863  ;  died  August 
27,  1863, 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  555 


Otis  F.  Haley,  born,  Gosport  (?)  ;  enlisted  September 
18,  1802;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  (). 
address  Portsmouth,  N.  II. 

Charles  W.  Hall,  born,  Barrington,  N.  1L;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  1.8,  18(5:2;  age,  28;  deserted  November  1,  1802,  tir 
Concord,  N.  II. 

John  Hallisey,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  November  7, 
1802  ;  age.  21  ;  deserted  November  7,  1802,  at  Concord, 
N.  H. 

John  Higgins,  born,  York,  Maine  ;  enlisted  October  15, 
1802  ;  age,  28  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1803. 

George  W.  Hill,  born,  \Vakefield,  N.  II.;  enlisted  No 
vember  12,  18(52  ;  age,  21  :  deserted  November  13,  1802,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 

Joseph  G  Holmes,  born,  York,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  21),  1802  ;  age,  82  ;  died  April  13,  1803,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Rnfns  L.Jones,  born.  Randolph,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
August  20,  1802  ;  age,  11)  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ; 
volunteered  for  storming  party  at  Port  Hudson,  La., 
under  General  Order  41);  died  February  10,  18(54,  at 
AVarrenton,  Va. 

Christopher  Kelenl)erk,  born,  Germany  ;  enlisted  No 
vember  10,  18(52;  age,  32;  discharged  March  17,  18(58,  at 
New  Orleans,  La.  died  September  1),  1888. 

Jacob  F.  Knight,  born,  Portland,  Maine  ;  enlisted  No 
vember  8,  18(52;  age,  20;  died  August  3,  18(58,  at  New 
Orleans,  La. 

Philipp  Kra  use,  bo  rn,  Prussia;  enlisted  November  5, 
J802  ;  age,  24  ;  deserted  Nov.  f>,  1802,  at  Concord,  N.  II, 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 


C/iar/cs 

Charles  W.  Leavitt  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company 
K,  Sixteenth  Regiment  New  Hampshire  Volunteers,  and 
was  detailed  as  orderly  for  Generals  Andrews  and  Ingrn- 
1mm  during  March,  ISO:-],  Port  Hudson  expedition.  He 
was  afterwards  detailed  for  special  duty  at  General 
Banks'  headquarters,  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  and  had 
charge  of  prisoners  of  war,  sent  to  Key  \Vest  and  Dry 
Tortugas.  He  was  relieved  to  accompany  his  regiment 
home.  His  residence  is  71)  E.  10th  street,  New  York,  N.  V. 

Bennett  Ijaighton,  born,  Stratham,  JNT.  II.;  enlisted 
September  2,  "1802;  age,  11);  appointed  corporal;  died 
August  20,  18(>:3,  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  f)i)7 

John  Leary,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  October  1,  18(52  ; 
age,  34  ;  died  June  10,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

Patrick  Ma  h  on  ey,  born,  Ireland;  enlisted  November 
7,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  deserted  Nov.  7,  1802,  at  Concord,  N.II. 

William  Mason,  born,  Cambridge,  Mass.;  enlisted 
November  11,  1802;  age,  21;  deserted  November  20, 
1802,  at  New  York  City. 

Angus  McAntire,  born,  Scotland  ;  enlisted  October  17, 
1802;  age,  2o  ;  deserted  October  2,5,  1802,  at  Concord, 
N.  II. 

Daniel  McConnick,  Jr.,  born,  Ireland;  enlisted  No 
vember  10,  1802  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  August  2<>,  1803. 

John  Mclntosh,  born,  New  York  ;  enlisted  November 
13,  1802;  age,  23;  deserted  November  ]<),  18(52,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  II. 

William  J.  Mills,  born,  (lorliam,  Maine  ;  enlisted  No 
vember  14,  1802  ;  age,  42  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803; 
died  April  If),  1881).  at  Portsmouth,  N.  II. 

James  Mitchell,  born,  England  ;  enlisted  September 
0,  1802,  age,  11);  died  August  1),  18(58,  near  Vicksburg. 
Miss. 

Blias  S.  Moorcs,  horn,  Plainfield,  N.  If.  ;  enlisted 
September  10,  1802;  age,  27  ;  transferred  to  Company 
A  January  1,  1803  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803. 

John  Murphy,  born,  Cork  County,  Ireland  ;  enlisted 
August  28,  18(52;  age,  30;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803. 

Joseph  15.  Nash,  born,  Boston,  Mass.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  11,  18(52  ;  age,  30  ;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803  ;  died  May  30,  1884. 


558  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Franklin  W.  Neal,  born,  New  Castle,  N.  H.;  enlisted 
September  22,  1862  ;    age,  35  ;    discharged   to  date  Aug 
20,  1863. 

Timothy  O'Leary,  born,  Ireland  ;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  17,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20,  1868; 
died  June  22,  1881). 

Ephraim  H.  Packer,  born,  (Ireenland,  X.  II.;  en 
listed,  October  17,  1862  ;  age,  21  ;  mustered  out  August 
20,  1868;  P.  ().  address  28  Chestnut  street,  Cambridge- 
port,  Mass. 

Albert  L.  Payne,  born,  Springfield,  N.  II. ;  enlisted 
September  6,  1862;  age,  20;  mustered  out  August  20, 
i863  ;  died  July  8,  1886. 

Charles  A.  Payson,  born,  Medford,  Mass.;  enlisted 
October  14,  1862;  age,  21  ;  deserted  October  25,  1862, 
at  Concord,  N.  H. 

John  H.  Pearson,  born  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  6,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1868  ;  died  August  22,  1863. 

Charles  M.  Perkins,  born,  Hampton,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  16,  1862;  age,  35;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863. 

Josiah  D.  Perkins,  born,  Hampton,  N.  H.  ;  enlisted 
November  11,  1862;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1863  ;  P.  ().  address  ILillsboro,  New  Mexico. 

John  Poole,  born,  Plaintield,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Septem 
ber  10,  1862;  age,  35  ;  transferred  to  Company  A  Janu 
ary  1,  1863  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1863;  died 
1896, 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  VOLUNTEERS.  ft 5!) 

Grin  Seavey,  born,  Saco,  Maine  ;  enlisted  October  18, 
1802  ;  age,  20  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803  ;  P.  O.  ad 
dress  02  Essex  street,  Haverhill,  Mass. 

DnvidS.  Shattuck,  born,  Dorchester,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  8,  180.?;  age,  li)  ;  transferred  to  Company  A 
January  1.  1803  ;  died  July  12,  1804,  at  Lynie,  N.  II. 

James  Shaw,  Jr.,  born,  England;  enlisted  September 
2,  1802;  age.  22  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  O. 
address  Aurora,  111. 

John  Shaw,  born,  England;  enlisted  November  10, 
1802  ;  age,  32  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803. 

Robert  Smart,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted  Oc 
tober  11,  1802;  age,  27;  died  June  11,  1803,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Enoch  P.  Smith,  born,  Raymond,  N.  11.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  ;"),  1802  ;  age,  33  ;  transferred  to  Company  A  Jan 
uary  1,  1803  ;  died  July  20,  1803,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

James  L,.  Smith,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.:  enlisted 
October  16,  1802  ;  age,  31  ;  died  June  8,  1863,  at  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Charles  Stewart,  born,  Scotland  ;  enlisted  October  29, 
1802  ;  age,  28  ;  deserted  February  12,  18(53,  at  Carrollton, 
La.;  apprehended  ;  assigned  to  Company  (I,  Eighth  Regi 
ment,  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  ;  discharged  October 
25,  1804,  at  Natchez,  Miss.;  P.  O.  address  Portsmouth. 
N.  II. 

John  Sullivan,  born,  Lowell,  Mass.;  enlisted  Novem 
ber  4,  1802;  age,  31  ;  deserted  November  7,  1802,  at 
Concord,  N.  H. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    UKGTMENT 

George  Sweet,  born,  Columbia,  N.  IT.;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  1).  1802;  age,  32;  transferred  to  (Company  A  Jan 
uary  1,  1803;  mustered  out  August-  20,  180;)  ;  P.  ().  ad 
dress  Cornish  Flat,  N.  TT. 

John  Taylor,  born,  New  York  City  ;  enlisted  October 
29,  1802  ;  age,  20  ;  deserted  October  31,  1802,  at  Concord, 
N.  II. 

Isaac  Thomas,  born,  England  ;  enlisted  September  2, 
1802  ;  age,  40  ;  died  August  1,  1803,  at  Port  Hudson,  La. 

Kendall  H.  Thomas,  born,  Medford,  Mass.;  enlisted 
September  2,  1802;  age,  11);  transferred  to  Company  A 
January  1,  1808;  mustered  out  August  20,  1803;  P.  (). 
address  Lebanon,  N.  II. 

Mark  W.  Tucker,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  27,  1802;  age,  20;  died  February  8,  1803,  at 
Carrollton,  La. 

Charles  Wagner,  born,  (fermany  ;  enlisted  November 
1,  1802;  age,  28;  deserted  November  3,  1802,  at  Con 
cord,  N.  II. 

Samuel  W.  Waldcn,  [birthplace  unknown]  enlisted 
.October  22,  1802;  age,  31;  transferred  from  Company  E 
November  22,  18(52  ;  discharged  to  date  August  20,  1803; 
died  August  23,  1803,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 

James  fi.  Walker,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  27,  1802;  age,  23;  died  August  12,  1803,  near 
Yicksburg,  Miss. 

Benjamin  P.  Watkins,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  en 
listed  October  27,  1802  ;  age,  22  ;  died  February  4,  1803, 
at  Carrollton,  La. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOHTNTEERS  501 

Daniel  Wat  kins,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
Noveml)er  8,  18(52  ;  age,  22  ;  died  August  18,  18(53,  at 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

James  Webester,  born,  London,  Kn^land  ;  enlisted 
November  13,  18(52;  age,  2(5 ;  deserted  November  11), 
18(52,  at  (Concord,  N.  11. 

/o/iJi  F.  Whidden,  born,  Portsmouth,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
September  12,  18(52;  age,  3(5  ;  died  August  10,  18(18,  ;it 
Memphis,  rPenn, 

George  M.  Wilkins,  born,  llenniker,  N.  II.;  enlisted 
October  lo,  18()2;  n.ge,  20;  ap])ointed  qunrtermnster- 
sergeivnt  November  22,  1802  ;  second  lieutenant  (.1oin- 
pnny  K  April  25,  1808;  not  mustered  ;  died  August  20, 
18()8,  at  Bellefontnine,  Ohio. 

Charles  B.  Woodman,  l)orn,  Portland,  Maine  ;  en 
listed  November  4,  18(52;  age,  21;  deserted  November 
r>,  18(52,  at  (1oncord,  N.  II. 

George  A.  Woodsnm,  born,  Saco,  Maine  ;  enlisted 
September  23,  1802;  age,  18;  mustered  out  August  20, 
1803. 

John  P.  Woodsum,  born,  Saco,  Maine  ;  enlisted  Sep 
tember  28,  1802;  age,  20;  transferred  from  Company  E 
November  22,  1802  ;  mustered  out  August  20,  18(53. 


It  appears  from  the  rosier  that  the  first  enlistments  in 
Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  were  Albert  II. 
Smart.  Company  I),  August  0,  18(52,  and  Charles  Wilson, 
Company  ]),  August  0,  1802. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGlMttXT^ 

SUMMARY. 

Sixteenth   New  Hampshire   Volunteer  Infantry. 

Original  Number  of  Officers 31) 

Knlisted  Men 875 

Total...  1)14 


Died  of  Disease. 

Officers 

Enlisted  Men 

Drowned,   Enlisted  Men  


Mustered   Out  or  Discharged  to   Date  August 

Officers 

20,     1863. 

30 

Knlisted  Men  
Total 

572 

Discharged  on   Other  Dates. 

Officers                 

4 

-  --  — 

Knlisted  Men                             .             .... 

48 

Lost  bv  Transfer 

3 

Deserted 

44 

Total... 

99 
914 

Died  of    Disease 210     23      percent. 

Total  Deaths  From  All  Causes 213     23.3     " 

\Ye  have  record  of  52  deaths,  August  1st  to  liHh,  and 
31  from  August  20th  to  31st,  and  18  during  the  month 
of  September,  1803. 

Place  of  Birth. 

United  States 857  Germany 5 

Ireland 17  Austria 1 

Canada 10  India 1 

Kngland  8  New  Brunswick 1 

Scotland  .  G  Unknown..  8 


SKETCH    OF    ORIGIN    OF    THE    ASSOCIATION    AND    OF    THE 

CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  HEADQUARTERS  BUILDING 

OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  REGIMENT  AT  THE  WEIRS. 

By  Comrades  Oscar  W.  Baldwin  and  Henrv  L.  Johnson. 


BESIDE  a    large  granite  boulder,   near  the  shore   of 
Lake  Winnipiseogee,   at  The  Weirs,    N.    II.,    the 
Sixteenth  Regiment  New  Hampshire  Volunteers 
Association   was  organized  in   August,   1878.       Captain 
Elias  F.  Smith,   of  Company  A,   was  elected  President, 
and  was  re-elected  annually  until  1882,  when  he  declined 
a  re-election. 

We  pitched  our  tents,  1880-' 81,  near  where  the  Hotel 
Weirs  now  stands.  During  the  year  1881  the  State 
authorities  procured  the  construction  of  several  barracks 
for  use  of  the  State  Association,  and  the  Sixteenth  Regi 
ment  Association  was  assigned  quarters  in  No.  3,  where 
meetings  were  held  annually  until  our  cottage  was  ready 
for  occupancy  in  1887. 


ft()()  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

Ca.ptn.in  Aaron  A.  Clark,  of  Company  C,  was  elected 
President  at  the  1882  encampment  and  served  two  years. 
Sergeant  Oscar  \V.  Baldwin,  of  Company  A,  was  elected 
President  in  1884  and  served  until  181)0. 

There  had  been  efforts  made  at  the  1880  meeting,  to 
raise  by  personal  subscriptions  sufficient  money  to  pay 
for  the  construction  of  a  cottage  as  a  home  for  the 
association  when  an  expression  of  views  was  called  for 
by  the  President  of  the  association.  Henry  L.  Johnson 
the  present  President  being  called  upon  responded  that 
"substantial  means  were  more  necessary  than  talk/' 
lie  placed  a  substantial  contribution  in  the  hands  of  the 
President,  and  was  followed  in  this  by  others,  so  that  in 
a  few  moments  the  association  had  about  $700  in  money 
and  pledges. 

If  was  voted  that  Comrades  Oscar  AV.  Baldwin,  George 
E.  Crowell  and  Albert  AY.  \Viggin  be  appointed  a  com 
mittee  with  full  power  to  solicit  contributions,  make  col 
lections,  and  contract  for  the  construction  of  a  cottage, 
the  selection  of  plans  being  left  to  their  good  judgment. 
The  work  was  begun  on  the  Association  Home  in  the  fall 
of  1886  and  the  building  was  dedicated  at  our  August, 
1887,  encampment,  Captain  John  L.  Kice,  of  Company 
H,  delivering  the  formal  address.  AA"e  were  honored  at 
our  1887  encampment  by  a  visit  from  General  John  C. 
Fremont  and  other  distinguished  men  of  military  fame. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 


ft  07 


tZ)auff/itcr  of  t/ie 

At  our  encampment,  in  August,  1888,  the  association 
was  presented  with  a  ting  by  Mrs.  Florence  Johnson,  a 
native  of  Louisiana,  and  the  wife  of  Comrade  Henry  L. 
Johnson.  She  was  unanimously  elected  "  Daughter  of 
the  Regiment."  At  our  encampment  in  1800  the  last  of 
our  indebtedness  was  paid  and  the  building  committee 
was  relieved  from  further  duty. 

J)r.  Elbridge  (1.  Beers,  of  Company  A,  was  elected 
President  at  our  August,  1890,  encampment,  and  served 
two  years.  Lieutenant  Philip  C.  Bean,  of  Company  H, 
was  elected  President  at  the  August,  1802,  meeting,  and 


£)(")£  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

was  succeeded  in  1804  by  Henry  L.  Johnson,  of  Com 
pany  II,  the  present  incumbent. 

Immediately  after  our  1894  encampment  an  effort  was 
begun  to  discover  the  address  of  every  living  comrade. 
This  work  involved  great  labor  and  patience,  and  the 
data  secured  was  published  in  1805  as  a  souvenir  roster, 
containing  #71  names,  most  of  whom  had  responded  to 
communications. 

To  Comrade  Oscar  AV.  Baldwin,  chairman  of  the  build 
ing  committee,  belongs  much  of  the  credit  and  honor  of 
providing  our  beautiful  home.  Comrades  George  E. 
Crowell  and  Albert  \V.  Wiggin  ably  seconded  his  efforts 
and  have  our  sincere  appreciation  for  their  generous 
labor  for  the  cause.  The  cottage  was  paid  for  by  sub 
scriptions  contributed  by  members  of  the  association  and 
prominent  citi/ens,  for  which  stock  was  issued  in  shares 
of  live  dollars  each.  Since  1890  additions  and  improve 
ments  have  been  made,  all  of  which  will  contribute  to 
the  happiness  and  comfort  of  our  comrades  and  friends 
when  visitin  The  AVeirs. 


Total  number  shares  issued  ..................  219 


The  five  largest  stockholders  are  : 


SHARES. 

Henry  L.  Johnson  and  wife  ..................  21 

(leorge  E.  Crowell  ................................  20 

Samuel  K.  Holdin  ................................  10 

Charles   II.  Woods  ........................  .......  10 

Oscar   \V.  Baldwin..  .   9 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS. 

The  following-  comrades   own  shares,  numbering  from 
one  to  six  each  : 


William  II.  Abbott, 
Edgar  E.  Adams, 
Richard  W.  Allen, 
Edward  W.  Atkinson, 
Charles  E.  Austin, 
Barton  A   "Ballon, 
Philip  C.  Bean, 
El  bridge  G.  Beers, 
George  W.  Bosworth, 
A.  Boutwell, 
William  J.  Bradford, 
HollisC.  Brock  way, 
David  E.  Burbank, 
John  C.  Caskin, 
Harvey  II.  Carter, 
Joseph  W.  Chamberlin, 
Edwin  Chandler, 
George  0.  Chase, 
John  IK  Chase, 
Thomas  Chase, 
Benjamin  Cline, 
Stephen  P.  Colby, 
Martin  L.  Colbnrn, 
George  Cook, 
Albert  Cram, 
Moses  Crombie, 
Levi  M.  Curtis, 


Alonzo  1).  Davenport, 
William  H.  Dimond, 
E.  Porter  Dodge, 
Albert  II.  Drown, 
George  T.  Dnniield, 
George  B.  Elliott, 
Charles  II.  Emerson, 
Andrew  S.  Farnnm. 
Cyrus  M.  Fisk, 
Squires  Forsaith, 
Benjamin  C.  Garland, 
James  L.  Gerrish, 
Francis  A.  Gile, 
William  A.  Gile, 
George  E.  Goodhne, 
William  W.  Hall, 
Joseph  P.   Heath, 
Charles  II.  Herbert, 
Andy  Holt, 
Daniel  E.  Howard, 
Charles  C.  Hoyt, 
Moses  Hoyt, 
Elbridge  I\.  Jewett, 
Joseph  G.  Johnson, 
Xellie  M.  Johnson, 
George  T.  Jones, 
David  Kendall, 


HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    KEGIMENT 


Liu'ien  M.  Kilburn, 
Marshall  Kiniball, 
Alvah  S.  Libbey, 
John  II.  Loud, 
Henry  11.  Martin, 
Webster  J.  Ma'lin, 
Moses  P.  Milieu, 
George  II.  Melvin, 
James  A.  Merrill, 
William  X  orris, 
George  Noyes, 
J  aines  P>.  Perry, 
Sylvester  II.  Powell, 
William  A.  Hand, 
John  L.  Rice, 
John  F.  Hush, 


Charles  W.  Scott, 
Hubert  Sleeper, 
David  1).  Smith, 
Elias  F.  Smith. 
Moses  11.  Smith. 
Kdward  Stevens, 
Joseph  1$.  Thurber, 
Rui'us  N.  Tilton, 
Luther  C.  Titcomb, 
Luther  T.  Townsend, 
Albert  AV.  AVig'gin, 
Alden  S.  AVood, 
Klleu  11.  AVood, 
William  C.  AVood, 
Daniel  11.  Woodward. 
Lucius  K  Wright. 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE    VOLUNTEERS.  573 


AN  active  participation  in  tlie  production  of  the  work 
and  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  circumstances 
attending  the  writing  of  our  regimental  history,  impels 
me  toadd  a  tribute  of  sincere  appreciation  for  the  earnest 
labor  of  our  historian,  in  preparing  an  accurate  record 
of  our  service,  and  in  giving  our  regiment  the  place  it 
deserves  in  the  history  of  New  Hampshire. 

Much  difficulty  attended  the  collecting  of  materials, 
and  great  labor  was  required  to  arrange  the  subject- 
matter  in  a  manner  that  would  preserve  accurately  the 
facts  and  give  no  needless  offense  to  anyone. 

It  is  several  years,  as  is  well  known,  since  Prof. 
Townsend  accepted  the  position  of  regimental  historian, 
but  other  duties,  and  especially  the  failure  of  our  asso 
ciation  to  provide  "  ways  and  means  "  for  the  publica 
tion  of  the  work,  caused  him  to  hesitate  in  its  preparation. 

But  when  we  were  assured  that  the  State  of  New 
Hampshire  would  at  least  partly  protect  us  against 
financial  loss,  and  feeling  confident  that  our  comrades 
would  secure  the  sale  of  the  few  extra  copies  not  taken 
by  the  state,  he  began  the  labor,  applying  his  talent  and 
energy  with  the  utmost  faithfulness  to  the  discharge  of 
the  duty  assigned  him. 

In  doing  this  work  our  historian  has  spared  himself 
no  labor,  and  has  devoted  more  time — time  that  could 
have  been  given  to  remunerative  literary  service — than 
our  comrades  can  realize. 

He  has  manifested  the  same  spirit  of  devotion  to  duty 
that  characterized  his  military  service  as  adjutant  and 


i)?4  HISTORY    OF    THE    SIXTEENTH    REGIMENT 

ordinance  officer,  with  the  oft-assumed  duties  of  physi 
cian,  commissary,  nurse  and  chaplain. 

His  closing-  work  therefore  is  but  a  continuation  of 
his  efforts  in  1862,  1808,  to  provide  for  us  comforts  to 
supply  our  wants  whenever  in  his  power  to  do  so,  often 
dividing  his  own  rations  with  the  humblest  of  our  com 
rades,  walking  that  a  sick  or  enfeebled  man  might  ride 
his  horse,  and  frequently  giving  Christian  burial  to  our 
fallen  comrades  when  no  other  clergyman  was  able  to 
render  this  service. 

His  persistent  efforts  under  most  discouraging  condi 
tions,  secured  our  removal  from  that  death  spot — Fort 
Burton,  Butte  a  la  Rose,  Louisiana,  and  saved  the  lives 
of  many  of  our  comrades,  who  by  reason  of  that  success 
ful  effort  will  be  permitted  to  read  this  record  of  their 
service. 

HENRY  L.   Jonxsox, 

President, 
^i,rt(j(ji(n/    Regiment  A  ssocicttion , 


C/ft. 


RETURN  TO  the  circulation  desk  of  any 
University  of  California  Library 

or  to  the 

NORTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 
Bldg.  400,  Richmond  Field  Station 

University  of  California  

Richmond,  CA  94804-4698 

ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 

•  2-month  loans  may  be  renewed  by  calling 
(510)642-6753  

•  1-year  loans  may  be  recharged  by  bringing 

books  to  NRLF  , 

•  Renewals  and  recharges  may  be  made  4  , 
days  prior  to  due  date. 

•MH^HB 

DUE  AS  STAMPED  BELOW 


DUE  NRLF  MAR    1 1Q99 


12,000(11/95) 

FORM  NO   DD  6    40m   10  '  77      UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  BERKEliT" 

BERKELEY,  CA  94720 

^^^ 


VD   12481 


v  - 


T7 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


